Introduction
Green lacewings are known for their delicate appearance, but their larvae tell a very different story. Often called “aphid lions,” these young predators are among the most aggressive biological control agents in organic farming and home gardening.
Identification
Adult green lacewings are light green with large, transparent wings and golden eyes. However, it’s their larvae—spiny, alligator-shaped, and brownish—that are the real pest controllers. Measuring around 8 mm in length, they are often overlooked but extremely effective.
Predatory Power
Lacewing larvae feed on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealybugs, scale insect crawlers, thrips, and whitefly nymphs. Using their sickle-shaped jaws, they inject enzymes that liquefy the prey’s insides before sucking them out.
Lifecycle and Behavior
Females lay eggs on slender stalks to protect them from cannibalism. The larvae emerge ready to hunt and consume hundreds of pests during their two to three weeks before pupation. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, contributing to pollination.
Attracting and Supporting Lacewings
To encourage lacewings in your garden, plant flowering herbs like dill, yarrow, and coriander. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, as they can harm both larvae and adults.
Conclusion
Green lacewing larvae are tiny but mighty. With their insatiable appetite for pests, they are a gardener’s best-kept secret for maintaining a healthy, thriving ecosystem naturally and effectively.
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