The efficacy of mealybug control by C. montrouzieri depends on accurate release numbers of beetles, presence of male and female beetles, and absence of live product contaminants. Accurate packaging and maintenance of purity and viability of C. montrouzieri shipments is, therefore, essential for the effective management of the target pest. This test method is intended for use by producers and end-users of the specified biological control agent. It is complementary to the quality guidelines for Cryptolaemus montrouzieri .

This specification covers information on and the test method for determining the purity, sex ratio, and number of adults in shipments of the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Order Coleoptera; Family Coccinellidae). Because the efficacy of the biological control of mealybug by C. montrouzieri depends on accurate release numbers, presence of male and female species, and absence of live product contaminants, accurate packaging and maintenance of purity and viability of C. montrouzieri shipments is, therefore, essential for the effective management of the target pests. This specification is intended for use by producers and end-users of the specified biological control agent.