Description
Adult green lacewings are small, soft-bodied insects that are light green in colour. As an adult insect, this beneficial predator has antennae, big eyes, six legs, and lace-like wings. It resembles a dragonfly and is often mistaken for one. Green lacewing larvae look like tiny caterpillars. They are “aphid lions” and are the beneficial stage of the green lacewing. Eggs are white and are laid singly or in groups.
Effects
Green lacewing larvae prey on aphids, leafhoppers, mites, psyllids, thrips, whiteflies and the eggs of insects. The larvae, with their huge appetites, are the beneficial stage of the green lacewing.
Management
Lacewings love poppy, yarrow, dill, coriander, cosmos, Queen Anne’s lace, tansy and dandelion.