Reddy, K.B., Sreedharan, K., & Bhat, P.K. 1991 Effect of rate of prey, Planococcus citri (Risso) on the fecundity of mealybug predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant.. Journal of Coffee Research 21(2): 149-150.

Notes: A laboratory investigation was carried out to investigate the reasons for poor establishment of the predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri on small populations of Planococcus citri on coffee in ideal conditions in India. The predators were provided with different numbers of P. citri as prey and the effects on fecundity were observed. Female predators each needed to consume at least 8 P. citri for normal egg production (191.2-192.4 eggs/female). It is concluded that this could be a reason for the poor establishment of the predator as a biocontrol agent.