A perfect ally to fight aphids

Not all insects that appear in the garden are pests, and the lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) is a clear example. One of the perfect allies of cultures, among those beneficial insects for the garden and plants, many of which can help us fight pests.

lacewing

Contents

What are lacewings

Lacewings are insects specialized in hunting aphids, they are also called the lion of aphids. They have a generally green body, with eyes that are distinguished by their metallic color, whether red, green or golden. Its wings are also very particular because the ribs are very prominent.

what do lacewings eat

We are often asked what lacewings eat. Lacewings feed primarily on insects, although they may also eat other small invertebrates, such as spiders and earthworms. They feed in the larval stage, in addition to being one of the home remedies for aphidssince it is an excellent means of biological control against this pest, it acts against other soft-bodied arthropods such as the cottony mealybugalthough they can also devour larvae of their own species.

what do lacewings eat

Lacewings typically eat a variety of foods including insects, larvae, worms, fruits, and nectar. The the most common insects in their diet are small ones like whiteflies, moth eggs, different types of scale insects and mites. Bywhere we are primarily interested in biological control aphids.

lacewing eggs

The cycle begins when the female, after mating, lays her eggs and for this she also has a very striking system. It constructs a thread and at the end of it lays the egg. Looking like this:

lacewings

This is a way to prevent predators from eating the eggs. When the young are born, they simply move along the thin wire to the plant.

As I said, the larva feeds on aphids, lifts them from the leaves with its mandibles and sucks them up. When it has fed enough, it weaves a round cocoon. Finally the adult lacewing emerges.

how to raise lacewings

How to breed lacewings: buy lacewing eggs to breed

Lacewings are best raised in a warm, humid environment, with an air temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C) and humidity of 70-80%. The water should be changed often and kept clean.

Lacewings also need bright but indirect lighting. They can be grown in a sunny window or grow light.

Buy lacewing eggs green online or at a pet store is the best option as they are difficult to breed. After about 10-14 days the eggs will hatch and the lacewings will hatch.

We can build an insect hotel with wood or cardboard, and other materials that we find in our garden or in the forest. The insects will take refuge in the hotel, where they can nest and shelter from the weather. You can also plant plants that attract pollinators, since lacewings also like the nectar of many flowers.

Types of lacewings

Lacewings belong to the family of neuroptera, meaning wings with nerves. They can be easily identified because they have larviform (larva-like) bodies and impressive jaws which they use to suck the juices from their prey.

Females usually lay their eggs on leaves or stems near the prey that their young will feed on. Green lacewings lay eggs in a very curious way because they form a thread and lay the egg at the end, so it is protected from possible predators. Brown lacewing eggs are reddish and are laid directly on the leaf.

green lacewing

And what is the difference between these two lacewings?

Well the green lacewings they are of this beautiful color and have a longer body than the others, they generally feed on aphids in the larval stage.

Instead the brown lacewings they have a shorter body and are brown in color, they have a particular predilection for mealybug infestations but they can also feed on aphids.

You already know another magnificent animal that patrols our garden in search of insect pest. The next time you see aphids, look closely to see if you see any of these larvae. This is one of the most effective ways to naturally control this pest and other similar pests, so be careful with this type of biological control.

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lacewing eggs

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