Green lacewing Is A Benificial Insect That Feeds On Thrips, Mealybugs, Aphids And Many Other Garden Pests
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By Steve Habib
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The green lacewing, a beneficial insect, is scientifically known as Chrysoperla rufilabris. This predator extraordinaire is broadly used where garden pests have become a problem.
The adult lacewing generally do not feed on unwanted pests, their primary food source is honeydew, nectar and plant pollen. It is the Juvenal lacewing which feeds on variety of destructive insects.
How the cycle begins
The female deposits her eggs on plant foliage. A thin filament, no thicker than a strand of hair, is attached to each egg. In a matter of days the small predators emerge fully capable of feeding on its prey. The aphid lion is the name used to describe lacewing larvae. The insect is difficult to see once hatched, but within weeks can reach a length of 3/8 of an inch.
The aphids lion grabs its prey with powerful jaws and inject a paralyzing venom. Once immobilized, the larvae consumes its prey by sucking body juices out through straw like tubes. Of all the beneficial insects available for growers, the green lacewing has the most insatiable appetite and range of food prey.
A single larvae will consume approximately 200 garden pests and eggs during a single week. Unfortunately the larvae lifespan is only 3 weeks, give or take. Providing a lacewing food source will help keep the insect around and reproducing. If a food is not available the lacewing will leave in search of reliable food source.
The insect can survive cool temperatures but are not able to survive cold winters without warm shelter. Fortunately, insect breeders can supply you with live lacewing and larvae during the year or at the start of spring.
Lacewing larvae prey
The menu of the lacewing includes many of the most destructive garden pest gardeners encounter. They will feed on the adult, larvae, and eggs of mites, white fly, mealybugs, aphids, moths and caterpillars to name a few. As you can seen, this is one ally you want on your side when combating destructive pests.
One important point to remember is never use chemical spray when lacewings are present. The insect will be killed and future generations destroyed by the poison. In fact, its best not to use chemicals at all when battling garden pests. Why? Simple put, other useful critters such as ladybug, praying mantis, toad and birds may be harmed by the insecticide residue on foliage.
To sum it up, the green lacewing larvae is the best all natural way to save your plant, flower, herb and veggies from a garden pest assault. In addition, you'll be doing the environment a favor and ensure the food you consume is safe to eat. You can't really say that about store bought produce, can you?
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Author Bio Box: Steve Habib
Steve Habib operates a landscape maintenance company and gardening blog that publishes useful, practical tips, advice and articles on several different kinds of plants free to anyone who visits
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