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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Green lacewing (270)

Relates to: Biocontrol

Photo 1. Green lacewing adult, Chrysoperla sp.

Photo 2. Brown lacewing adult, Micromus sp.

Photo 3. Group of lacewing eggs, Chrysoperla sp., fastened to a side of a branch.

Photo 4. Larva of a green lacewing. Note the stiff hairs along the sides, and the protruding pincer-like mouth parts.

Diagram. Life cycle of green lacewing, Mallada species.

Summary

Worldwide distribution. Lacewings prey on aphids, scales, mealybugs, thrips, psyllids, whiteflies, and other small insects, and mites.
Adults feed mainly on pollen, nectar and honeydew. There are some species that also feed on insects, and some that do not.
Eggs are laid on thin stalks, singly or in groups, on the underside of leaves, wood, or side of buildings.
Larvae have pincers for grasping and injecting venom.
Management: grow or encourage flowing plants, e.g., sunflowers, marigolds, and allow weeds, e.g., dandelions, daisies, for nectar and pollen; best avoid pesticides, or chose soap, white or horticultural oils, or neem that breaks down quickly.

Common Name

Lacewings. There are two kinds: green (Photo 1) and brown (Photo 2). Green lacewings are more common and are also called 'common lacewings' or 'common green lacewings'. The two types, green and brown, not only differ in colour, but also in the venation of the wings. In this fact sheet we are dealing with green lacewings.

Scientific Name

Green lacewings belong to the family Chrysopidae. Brown lacewings belong to the family Hemerobiidae. Two common genera of green lacewings are Chrysoperla and Chrysopa.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
 Information from Chrysopia. Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopidae); Neuroptera: lacewing and antlions. CSIRO. (http://www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/neuroptera.html). Photos 1,3&4 Whitney Cranshaw, Bugwood.org. Photo 2 David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org. Daigram. McDougall et al. (2017) Bunching vegetables: A field guide for the identification of insects, beneficials, diseases and disorders in Australia. NSW Department of Primary Industries. Australia.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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