Australian Ladybird

White cottony masses in the leaf axils and sticky honeydew on the leaves are typical signs of mealybugs. The Australian ladybird is their natural predator: both the beetles and larvae actively hunt these pests. Here you will find both options from German breeding for houseplants, conservatories, and greenhouses.

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What is an Australian ladybird?

The name refers to Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, a beneficial insect that specializes in mealybugs and scale insects. Both the Australian ladybird and its larvae feed primarily on these pests, with aphids also on the menu. While searching for food, the insects crawl into leaf axils and between leaves, exactly where the pests hide. These beneficial insects leave no residue behind and are harmless to humans, children, and pets.

When are ladybirds useful against mealybugs and scale insects?

Mealybugs and scale insects suck sap from plants, weakening them. You should use ladybirds against mealybugs if you want to take biological action and avoid spraying your plants. The beneficial insects are most active at temperatures between 20 and 30 °C. Typical areas of application are therefore houseplants, winter gardens, and greenhouses, as well as sheltered outdoor areas if the temperature is right. You can easily combine ladybirds against scale insects and mealybugs with other beneficial insects. It is only important that you do not use chemical pesticides during their application.

Buying ladybird larvae or beetles: which option is right?

Both larvae and beetles eat mealybugs and scale insects, but they differ in terms of range and behavior. If you want to buy ladybird larvae, you will receive the Australischen ladybird larvae in a tube containing 25 insects, which covers about 10 m² of plant area. The larvae cannot fly and remain directly on the plant where you place them. The erwachsenen beetles come in a tube of 10 for around 5 m². An adult Australian ladybird can fly, but usually stays in the area of the infested plants as long as there is enough food. Under good conditions, the beetles will even reproduce, and their offspring will also feed diligently. This makes the beetles suitable as ladybirds against mealybugs, especially in places where conditions remain stable for weeks.

Whether as ladybirds against scale insects or mealybugs: both versions arrive alive in a ventilated shipping tube with instructions for use. It is best to release the insects onto the infested plants immediately after receipt. A visible effect can be seen after about two to three weeks, depending on the infestation level; a second application is worthwhile in case of severe infestations. In addition to the Australian ladybird, you will also find Florfliegenlarven and other beneficial insects against lice in our shop, each sorted by the target pest. If you want to buy ladybird larvae and order suitable supplements at the same time, you get everything from a single source.

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FAQ Australian ladybug

Do you have questions about our products, how to use them, or shipping? Here you will find the most important answers at a glance. If anything remains unclear, please feel free to contact us!

FAQs

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, also known as the Australian ladybird, is a natural beneficial insect for controlling mealybugs, woolly aphids, and aphids. Both the adult beetles and their larvae feed on these pests and help reduce infestations naturally.

One tube with 10 adult Cryptolaemus ladybirds or 25 Cryptolaemus larvae is suitable for a plant area of up to 10 m², depending on the severity of the infestation. In cases of heavier infestation or high pest density, an additional application may be advisable.

Cryptolaemus feeds primarily on mealybugs and woolly aphids. Additionally, it also eats aphids, making it a versatile option for various types of scale and aphids.

Under good conditions, the beetles can reproduce. The larvae that hatch from the eggs also consume large quantities of mealybugs and woolly aphids.

They are particularly suitable for houseplants, winter gardens, greenhouses, and sheltered outdoor areas.

The beneficial insects are delivered alive and securely in a ventilated shipping tube. You can choose between tubes containing 10 adult Cryptolaemus ladybirds or 25 Cryptolaemus larvae. Once released, the insects start searching for food sources independently and are suitable for plant areas of up to 10 m², depending on the infestation level.

The beneficial insects should be released as soon as possible after receipt so they can begin searching for pests quickly.

If necessary, the beetles can be stored in a cool, shady place for 1–2 days. Ideally, however, they should be used quickly.

Yes, they are shipped in special tubes that provide sufficient air and protection during transit. We also ship the ladybirds via express delivery.

The animals are usually calmer during transport, but they quickly become active again after being released.

Carefully open the box directly next to the infested plants and release the beetles as close as possible to the affected plant parts.

Cryptolaemus works most effectively at temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C.

The beetles remain where they find food. If there are enough pests, they will usually stay in the plant area for a longer time.

Yes, they can be easily combined with other biological beneficial insects. It is important, however, not to use any chemical pesticides.

No, it is best to release them directly on the infested plants so they can find the pests quickly.

Yes, the ladybirds are completely harmless to humans, pets, and plants.

The beetles often hide between leaves or in leaf axils, where the mealybugs are located.

The ladybirds begin searching for food immediately after release. A visible reduction in the infestation can appear after about 2–3 weeks, depending on the severity.

Yes, adult Cryptolaemus ladybirds can fly. If there is sufficient food, however, they will mainly stay near the infested plants. The larvae cannot fly and remain directly on the plant, where they actively search for suitable food sources.

In cases of a very heavy infestation, a further application after a few weeks may be advisable.