- Green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla rufilabris)) are alligator shaped beneficial insects with pincher-like mouth-parts. Often referred to as 'aphid lions' because they target aphids, they also prey on most soft-bodied plant pests. Green lacewing adults are active at night and feed only on pollen and nectar, which they need in order to lay eggs. Not harmful to people or pets.
- Lacewing larvae voraciously attack their prey by seizing them with large, sucking jaws and inject paralyzing venom. The hollow jaws then draw out the body fluids of the pest. Of all available commercial predators, lacewings are the most voracious and have the greatest versatility for pests in greenhouses, field crops and landscapes, making them a top choice as a biological control agent. Use lacewing eggs for an affordable biocontrol option, lacewing larvae for immediate pest infestations and adults for establishing a population in a greenhouse or conservatory setting.
- The adult lacewing lays her eggs on foliage. Each adult female may deposit more than 200 eggs which are attached to the top of a hair-like filament. After a few days the eggs hatch and a tiny predatory larva emerges ready to eat the pests. Each lacewing larva will devour 200 or more pests or pest eggs a week during their two to three week developmental period. After this stage, the larvae pupate by spinning a cocoon with silken thread. After approximately five days, adult lacewings emerge to mate and repeat the life cycle. Depending on environmental conditions, the adult will live about four to six weeks. Lacewing adults can survive the winter in protected places. Lacewings also overwinter as pupae.
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Larvae Rate: 1-5 larvae/sq. ft. weekly or as needed.
Adult rate: divide larvae rate by four
Egg rate: multiply larvae rate by five.
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In general, lacewings attack the eggs and the immature stages of most soft-bodied pests. These biocontrol agents are tiny upon emerging from the egg, but grow to 3/8 of an inch long. For eggs on cards, carefully tear or cut the segments along the perforations and hang in the crop. Eggs will turn from green to gray before hatching. Keep them in protected areas shielded from direct sunlight. Ant control is very important as they will be attracted the eggs and food on the cards.
Release loose eggs when newly hatched larvae are seen moving in the container. Eggs may be hatching upon arrival, but if not, hold for a few days and watch for larvae. During summer months larvae will emerge sooner. Always rotate the bottle gently upon arrival to separate the lacewing eggs so they are not clustered in one area. Eggs are ready for immediate release if the egg membrane are dull gray, abdominal bands of larvae are distinct, larval eyespots are readily visible and at least 1% of the eggs have hatched. To release, sprinkle the contents of the container over the targeted plants, but go easy. Don't sprinkle the complete contents in one spot. Misting foliage before release may help the eggs to stick.
To release larvae, simply sprinkle the contents over the target area. For the hexcel, pre-fed larvae are still developing inside the individual cells also known as a rearing frame. The larvae should be released the same day as received. Peel back one side of the material an inch at a time and knock or tap the larvae out onto the target area. Next peel off the other side of the frame and keep in the crop to ensure any remaining larvae can crawl out onto the plants.
If release is not possible upon receipt, because of weather conditions for example, the eggs can be stored at no lower than 50°F (10°C) for up to 48 hours. To minimize egg mortality, humidity should be approximately 75%. Warmer temperatures will speed up larval emergence, but the eggs should not be held at more than 80°F (26°C). Lacewings are an important part of many IPM programs.
When targeting caterpillars, lacewing used in conjunction with Trichogramma wasps (see Caterpillar Control) can be very effective. Since Trichogramma attack only the egg stage, the lacewing offers a second line of defense; it feeds on eggs and young caterpillars. Shipped fresh and quality guaranteed.
