ornament

Green Lacewing

[Chrysoperla rufilabris]

While Green Lacewing adults typically do not feed on insects, the larval stages are voracious predators. Green Lacewing larvae are called “aphid lions” for good reason, as they are especially fond of aphids. During 2-3 larval stages one solitary Lacewing can kill 300-400 aphids, 11,000 spider mites, 3,700 scale crawlers or 6,000 scale eggs. The adult Lacewing will migrate toward pollen, insect honeydew or nectar before laying eggs.

lacewing
lacewing eggs on a leaf

Targets Pests:

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Release Instructions:

  • Green Lacewings are shipped as eggs, larvae or adults. Storing the eggs can be done at a temperature of 40°F for 1-3 weeks. Ideally Green Lacewings should be released as soon as you see larvae hatching out. Each package of Lacewings has disbursement pouches included.
  • Each pouch should be placed in the crotch of the plant limbs or stapled/paper clipped to leaves.
  • Once pouches are placed, pour a small amount of material in each pouch. Spread the release sites out as much as possible.
  • To improve performance, ants must be controlled. Temperature and food availability will determine the timing of each stage and reproductivity. Several generations may occur during one season.