Back to top

Lacewings - Releasing Adults

Green Lacewing Adults being released
Green Lacewing Adults

Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea)  can be purchased as eggs, larvae or adults. Adults feed on pollen, honeydew and nectar and is necessary to mate and lay eggs. Larvae prefer to feed primarily on aphids but will also feed on other insects such as whitefly, spider mites and thrips.

The adults in this photo arrived inside a paper container with a small sponge and have may have layed eggs in the container. 

They should be released the day they are received.  To release,  removed the top screen within the release area. A piece of cardboard can be used to regulate the amounts released throughout the area. Eggs that are deposited within the container can be released by tearing away the container and distributing the pieces containing the eggs.