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Southeastern Apple ProductionENTOMOLOGY |
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Green Lacewings
Various Species
Description
Green lacewing (LW) adults are around 1/2 to 1 inch long and light green with netted wings that are held rooflike over their bodies at rest. Larvae (sometimes called 'aphid lions') are 1/4 to 1/3 inch long, tan, spindle-shaped, and have mouthparts that protrude forward. Eggs are cream colored and laid singly on the ends of long stalks.
 Adult |
 Larva |
 Egg |
Life History
Most LW overwinter as cocooned larvae, though at least one species (Chrysoperla carnea) overwinters as adults. In season, adult females lay up to 400-500 eggs each. Larvae develop in about two weeks, but two months may be needed before the next generation of adults appears. There are usually 2-4 generations per year.
Predation
Both adults and larvae feed on Green apple and spirea aphids. Larvae impale their prey, inject an enzyme, and use their jaws to suck out the body contents.
 Larva eating aphid |
Insect and Mite Management Overview
Insect and Mite Index
Southeastern Apple Production Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center 455 Research Drive Mills River, NC 28759 Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715 Email: jim_walgenbach@ncsu.edu |
Web Crafters: Anne S. Napier and
Steve Schoof |
Updated March 26, 2007