Lacewings

Lacewings: Hardy Predators

Chrysopa rufilabris, Chrysoperia Carnea

Lacewings are among the most voracious and common general predators. They attack almost any soft-bodied insect and their eggs. They especially go after aphids, but also attack small worms, whiteflies, mealy bugs, soft scale, leafhopper nymphs, spider mites, leaf miners, and insect and mite eggs. (Photograph courtesy Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.insectimages.org) Photograph shows desctruction from aphids.

During a two to three week larval stage, one lone lacewing can kill 300-400 aphids, 11,000 spider mites, 3,700 scale crawlers or 6000 scale eggs. Adults are not predatory, but with supplies of insect honeydew, floral nectarines or pollen, the adults will lay eggs near pests to feed the next generation.