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Mealybug Ladybird

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Photo by Sckel
Published on Project Noah
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-20.2773, -40.424

Field Notes

Description:

Unlike many of the often brightly coloured Coccinellidae, it is predominantly brown and has no spots. It has been used as a biological control agent against Mealybugs and other Scale insects. As a larva it apparently looks like the mealybugs they prey on, a case of aggressive mimicry.

Habitat:

http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3958/059.034.0208

Notes:

2 mm

Reference Links:

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
injica
I know, but still, so round and hairy, it really beautiful little creature ;)
Sckel
Thanks injica. :) But do not be fooled by this sweet look he has, he is a voracious predator of cochonilhas helpless.
injica
super cute, I fell in love with it :D
Sckel
I was with the left hand holding the leaf, with the right hand holding the camera, and with wide eyes trying to see a beetle 2 mm because of the reflection of sunlight. That was cruel. : (
Adarsha B S
3rd pics is ossum..very difficult to take.. But shade played its cruel part :(

Spotted for Missions

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Ladybug Lovers
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Beetles!

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Photographed
PublishedJune 19, 2013

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