Crytpolaemus breeding

As part of the integrated pest management (IPM) programme that we use at the Botanic Gardens, we use predator insects to control the populations of some common greenhouse pests. 

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mealybug Ladybird) is a predator insect of Mealybug, native to Queensland, Australia. Cryptos lay their eggs in the white cottony mass that the Mealybug produce and their larvae look very much like mealybug. The larvae and adult feed on the youngest bugs and their eggs. The average lifespan is 3 months.

Cryptolaemus larvae and adult

In the nursery Cindy breeds a small number of Cryptolaemus mainly for educational purposes. A larger population is harder to sustain because there isn't enough Mealybug to feed on. To keep the small number of Crypto growing we have to breed Mealybugs to provide a constant source of food.

When we find a plant with a large infestation of Mealybug
some of the leaves are collected

The leaves are then placed on sprouting potatoes which
act as a good constant food source for the bugs

When the sprouting potatoes have a good infestation we can
then feed these to the Cryptos

The Cryptolaemus are kept in a ventilated box with
a thin mesh cloth to keep them contained

The infested potatoes are added to the box as food

There is a lot of good info about using Cryptolaemus on this website https://greenmethods.com/cryptolaemus/