About Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1853
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, also known as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1853, can reach an adult body length of about 6 millimetres (0.24 in). Adults of this species have the typical ladybird shape, but unlike many often brightly colored members of the Coccinellidae family, the elytra of these small ladybirds are predominantly dark brown and have no spots. Their head, antennae, pronotum, the end of the elytra, and legs are orange-brown. Mature larvae of this species can reach a length of 14–15 millimetres (0.55–0.59 in). Larvae have a waxy covering that makes them visually resemble the mealybugs they prey on, an example of aggressive mimicry. This species is endemic to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Currently, it can also be found in Europe (including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and as far north as Northern Germany), North Africa, the Afrotropical realm, the Nearctic realm, and the Neotropical realm.
