Beneficial Insect Profiles: Predators

Chyroperla rufilabris (Green Lacewing)

Product: Predator of many small insects.

Net contents: See container.

Common Name: Green Lacewing.

Family: Chrysopidae.

Genus: Chrysoperla.

Species: rufilabris (Burmeister).

Origin: Southeastern United States.

Host Pest: Aphids, Thrips, Spider Mites, Sweetpotato and Greenhouse Whitefly, Mealybugs, moth larvae and other soft-bodied insects (also eggs of all listed above).

Host Plant: Most crops and flowers (indoors and out) including orchards and vineyards.

Life Stage Shipped: Eggs; some eclosion may occur during shipment. Food is provided, unless otherwise requested.

Sex ratio: Approximately I female to 1 male.

Development: In a warm environment (75-80 degrees F.) the larvae will emerge in 3 to 4 days. These larvae will pupate approximately 14 days later. The adult lacewing emerges in approximately 5 days. The adult can lay up to 600 eggs. The eggs are laid individually, at the end of hair-like filaments on plant foliage. (adults do not feed on insects).

Environment: Ideal temperature is 75-79 degrees F. Minimum temperature requirement for activity is 60 degrees F.

Pesticides: Although this insect has demonstrated tolerance to some pesticides, use may not be compatible, request technical information on specific products.

Storage: Not recommended; for best results, use within 10 days of egg harvest. If absolutely necessary, store at 10 degrees (plus or minus one degree) Celsius and 75 degrees relative humidity to minimize mortality. Mortality predicted to be at 20% 14 days from harvest and 50% 21 days from harvest under optimum storage.

Augmentation: Release rates vary: (1) size and type of plant (2) number and type of pests (3) other predator and parasitoid population (4) temperature and humidity. Request technical information from supplier for specific use.

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