Mani, M. 1995a Studies on the natural enemies of oriental mealybug, Planococcus lilacinus (Ckll.) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in India.. Journal of Entomological Research 19(1): 61-70.

Notes: Heavy infestations of the pseudococcid Planococcus lilacinus were found on many fruits including Citrus, pomegranate, ber [Ziziphus mauritiana] and guava in southern India. Natural enemies of the pseudococcid included two parasitoids (Tetracnemoidea indica and Aprostocetus purpureus) and six predators (Spalgis epius [S. epeus], Brumus sp., Scymnus coccivora, Triommata coccidivora [Diadiplosis coccidivora], Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Cacoxenus perspicax [Domomyza perspicax]). The encyrtid Tetracnemoidea indica was found in large numbers and was responsible for the suppression of P. lilacinus from 256.30 in April to 0.86 in July, 1991, in lime orchards. The lycaenid Spalgis epius was an efficient predator of P. lilacinus on guavas and Z. mauritiana and pomegranates. The eulophid parasitoid, A. purpureus, reduced the pest population from 49 by mid-December, 1990, to 2.16 by the end of January, 1991, in Z. mauritiana orchards. Releases of either the exotic parasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii or Cryptolaemus montrouzieri did not have any impact in guava orchards. Populations of P. lilacinus persisted longer in guava orchards when compared with other fruit crops. It was suggested that parasitoids from Java and the Philippines could be introduced for trials to control P. lilacinus in India.