Cryptolaemus

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Predatory ladybirds feed exclusively on mealy

bugs. Both the larvae and adults attack all stages of

mealybugs. If food is scarce they will eat soft scales and aphids. These should be introduced int the garden from late Spring to early Autumn for best results.

Mealy bugs are covered with white waxy threads

and a waxy covering.

They feed by sucking the sap from the plant and

therefore they will normally be found on the stems

or leaf joints

The insect extracts large amounts of sap in order to

obtain enough proteins, the excess sap is excreted

as honeydew which forms a sticky deposit on the

lower leaves causing sooty mould to grow.