Mealy Bug Destroyer

I always stress that you should make sure you know what insect you are dealing with before you treat it, which is very important with the insect to the left. At first glance, you might think that the insect is a mealy bug; however, this is a different insect called a Mealy Bug Destroyer that is a beneficial insect. This insect is a type of ladybug, and both lifecycles feed on mealybug eggs and young nymphs. Older larvae will feed on mealybugs of any age, and they will also feed on scale insects and aphids. Adults are dome-shaped with a blackish to dark green abdomen and a dark brown to orange head. They are approximately 1/8-1/6-inch-long with short clubbed antennae. Larvae look like mealy bugs; however, they are faster moving and, at maturity, are twice the size of an adult mealy bug. Each larva can consume more than 250 mealy bug nymphs or over 1,000 mealy bug eggs during that life stage. This insect is native to Australia and does not tolerate cold temperatures. This insect is reared commercially and can be purchased as an organic control method for mealy bugs in greenhouses or for small infestations in the house if you so desire. Suppose you want to buy these inside a greenhouse plan for a population of several beetles per square foot of growing area with the initial release. This insect is just a reminder to make sure you correctly identify the insect you are seeing before trying to control it in your home or yard.

 

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu