A review of the genus Cryptolaemus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with particular reference to the species resembling C. montrouzieri Mulsant

Abstract

AbstractCryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant is a well-known and historically important predator of mealybugs. It is indigenous to eastern Australia, and has been introduced throughout the world for biological control. In contrast, the other members of the genus, including those which resemble C. montrouzieri, remain poorly known. The genus Cryptolaemus, with seven previously described species, is redefined and two species-groups are recognized. The first, the montrouzieri group, comprising C. montrouzieri, C. affinis Crotch (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and northern Queensland, Australia). C. wallacei Crotch (Indonesia) and C. simplex Blackburn (northern Australia), is revised; C. crotchi sp. n. (Indonesia) and C. sinestria sp. n. (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) are described as new, and C. simplex is reduced to a subspecies of C. montrouzieri. A key to these species is provided. The second group comprises two of the remaining species. C. subviolaceus Crotch and C. concinnus Weise, but lack of sufficient material precludes a revision of this group at present. The final species, C. engelhardi Gorham. is transferred to the chilocorine genus Brumoides Chapin. Lectotypes are selected where appropriate.