Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
The black-brown colored lady beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a voracious mealybug predator in both larval and adult stages. Female adults can lay a total of 400 eggs in hot pots and a single Cryptolaemus larva may consume up to 250 mealybugs. When prey is scarce, they also feed on aphids and soft scales. Cryptolaemus larvae are covered with white waxy threads, superficially resembling its prey. This form of aggressive mimicry makes them inconspicuous in a mealy bug colony.