Dactylopius spp.

The nymphs and adults of Dactylopius spp. suck sap and inject a toxic substance which hastens the kill of the severely infested plants.

The first instar nymphs or crawlers are dusted on potted Opuntia ficus indica (Linnaeus) Miller, some females are also transferred and each of the potted plant after infestation is kept in a cage for further development. Once the females are settled they do not move and each female produces about 800 crawlers or nymphs in about 60 days time. The number of potted plants and the frequency of exposure to mealy bugs to a set of plants is regulated depending upon need.