The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada.
This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the NewWorld. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread
to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended
its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest
using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural
enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews
the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the
pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.