Cryptobug

Cryptobug (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) — Mealybug Destroyer Adults
Cryptobug contains adult beetles of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, a proven biological control agent known as the mealybug destroyer. These adults are capable of flight and dispersal, making them ideal for blanket release across large or inaccessible areas. Use Cryptobug for comprehensive control of mealybugs and soft scale insects in any growing environment. Cryptobug is chemical-free, IPM-compatible, and safe for use in greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, and indoor crops including houseplants, ornamentals, citrus, fruit trees, and cannabis.

Use For
Cryptobug adults primarily feed on eggs, crawlers, and nymphs—of many mealybug species, including:

• Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri)
• Longtailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus)
• Obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni)
• Other common greenhouse and field mealybugs

When to Use Cryptobug
Use Cryptobug wherever mealybugs or soft scale are present. Cryptobug is effective across all growing environments—greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, and indoor crops.

Recommended for:
• Widespread mealybug or soft scale pressure across large or inaccessible zones
• Crops with layered or dense foliage where larvae may not reach all areas
• Growers seeking a mobile, flying predator for mealybug and soft scale suppression
• Situations where blanket release is preferred over hotspot targeting

Cryptobug adults can fly and disperse across plant canopies, reaching pests in areas larvae may miss. This makes them ideal for large-scale coverage or crops with complex architecture.

How It Works
Mode of Action: Adults consume mealybugs and soft scale insects, focusing on eggs and young stages
Behavior: Adults fly and crawl across plant surfaces to locate and feed on pests
Visual Effect: Mealybugs and soft scale are eliminated as adults move through affected areas

Feeding Rates
• Adults consume 5–10 mealybug eggs or young crawlers per day under optimal conditions
• Adults are most active in warm conditions (77–82°F) and will continue feeding for several weeks.

Lifecycle of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mealybug Destroyer)
Egg Stage
• Light brown, oblong eggs laid near mealybug colonies
• Hatch in approximately 5–6 days under optimal condition
Larval Stage
• Larvae grow up to 13 mm and resemble mealybugs
• Aggressive feeders—used in Cryptobug
Pupal Stage
• Pupae are about 4 mm, wax-covered
• Found on stems or protected plant surfaces
• Pupation lasts 7–10 days
Adult Stage (used in Cryptobug)
• Adults are 4–5 mm long with black wing covers and a reddish-brown head
• Capable of flight and dispersal
• Feed primarily on mealybug eggs and young stages
• Females lay up to 500 eggs over their lifespan

Pressure Level & Release Rates

Application Notes
•Adjust rates based on crop type, climate, and pest density
•Begin releases as soon as mealybugs or soft scale are detected, or preventively in high-risk environments
•Apply directly onto plant leaves or near hotspots
•Use in the evening to support settling and establishment
•Adults may be deployed on rock wool slabs or in Diboxes for targeted placement

Best Working Conditions
Temperature: Minimum 61°F; optimal range 77–82°F
Humidity: Moderate to high relative humidity supports feeding and reproduction

Compatibility Guidance:
• Allow residues from oils or soaps to dry before application
• Essential oils (e.g. neem) may be used as knockdown before release
• Wiping pests off plants with water and a towel is also effective
• For compatibility with chemical sprays, check our compatibility charts here: Natural Enemies - Chemical Compatibility and here: Beneficial Insect & Pesticide Compatibility Table

Product Specifications
Pack Size: 500 adults
Presentation: Cardboard box
Carrier: None
Appearance: Adults are round beetles, 4–5 mm, with red-brown heads and black wing covers

Storage & Handling
• Store at 50–59°F in the dark
• Use within 24 hours of receipt
• Keep containers closed until release; acclimate briefly before distribution
• Store horizontally

What to Expect

• Cryptobug adults begin feeding shortly after release
• Mealybug and soft scale populations are suppressed as adults disperse and feed
• Reapply based on scouting observations to maintain control

Recommended IPM Pairings:
• Cryptobug L (larvae) – Complements adults by targeting mealybugs hidden in dense foliage and crevices.
• Isarid® Mycoinsecticide – Adds a fungal mode of action for mealybugs and soft scales in high-pressure zones; fully compatible with beneficials.
• Dune™ – Improves plant resilience against sucking pests, reducing overall pest pressure and supporting IPM longevity.
• Horiver Yellow Sticky Traps – For monitoring secondary pests like whiteflies and thrips that often coexist with mealybugs; essential for scouting and early detection.
• Essential Oil Knockdown (e.g., neem-based) – For pre-release reduction of heavy mealybug populations; apply beneficials after residues dry.

Cryptobug fits seamlessly into IPM programs and performs reliably across crops and environments.

FAQs

Is Cryptobug effective against soft scale?
Yes, but with conditions. Cryptobug adults and larvae will feed on soft scale eggs and young stages, but they perform best when mealybugs are present. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a mealybug specialist, so its hunting and reproduction are optimized for mealybug colonies. For heavy or exclusive soft scale pressure, pair Cryptobug with Isarid for best results.

Is Cryptobug safe for indoor plants?
Absolutely. Cryptobug is chemical-free and ideal for enclosed environments, including houseplants, interiorscapes, and indoor growing setups.

How soon will I see results?
Feeding begins shortly after release. Suppression builds as adults disperse and feed across the crop, with noticeable impact in hotspots first. Continued improvement depends on pest density and environmental conditions.

I grow (X)—is this safe to use?
Yes. Cryptobug is safe for all crops and plants—ornamentals, citrus, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, cannabis, and houseplants. It’s chemical-free and fully compatible with any IPM program.