Green lacewing adult and larva

Green Lacewing Adult

Green Lacewing Nymph and Looper Prey

© 2000. Ralph E. Berry, Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.

Only the larval stage of green lacewings, Chrysopa spp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), are predators. Larvae feed on many soft-bodied insects, such as aphids, spider mites, small caterpillars, thrips, and leafhoppers. Adults feed on pollen, plant nectar, and aphid honeydew. Adults are about 18 mm long and have four delicate transparent wings with many veins and crossveins. Larvae are about 9.5 mm long and have hollow, sickel-shaped mandibles used to suck fluids from their prey. Green lacewing eggs may be purchased from commercial biological control suppliers for release to supplement natural populations.

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