First Observational Record of Cryptochaetum sp. (Diptera: Cryptochaetidae) as a Parasitoid of Mango Mealy Bugs in Northern India

Mealy bugs are a major concern in mango cultivation, causing direct damage. Current investigation revealed first time a dipteran parasitoid belonging to the genus Cryptochaetum (Diptera: Cryptochaetidae) emerging from female mango mealy bugs collected from an orchard in Northern India. The parasitoid was observed causing internal mummification of the host, followed by adult emergence. This finding suggests a potential biological control agent and adds to the limited records of dipteran parasitoids associated with mango mealy bugs in India. Keywords: Mango mealy bug, Cryptochaetum, Diptera, biological control, first record