Chrysopa
Chrysoperla Carnea, also known as Chrysopa, is a native insect that occurs naturally in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The larvae are extremely voracious and efficient fighters against aphids. For this reason, they are also affectionately referred to as "aphid lions." Other insects such as thrips, spider mites, white flies, small caterpillars, butterfly eggs and mealybugs are also popular with this predator. Adult lacewings are delicate, light green insects with long, transparent, finely ribbed wings and golden eyes. The adult lacewing does not feed on insects but on nectar, honeydew and pollen.

Life cycle of Chrysopa
In nature there are 2 or 3 generations per year. In the spring, lacewings lay about 20 eggs per day. These eggs are laid individually or in linear groups (0.7 mm long) on the underside of the leaves. After 3 days, the first larval stage develops from the egg. About 16 days after oviposition, the larva pupates, from which an adult chrysalis appears 2 weeks later.
Application of Chrysopa carnea
Chrysopa can be used in vegetable and ornamental crops. Temperatures between 12°C and 30°C are ideal. They can therefore be used both indoors and outdoors. Chrysopa larvae eat as many aphids as ladybug larvae (Adalia) but also eat large quantities of other pests.
The 1000 larvae are delivered in a pot with buckwheat hulls. The larvae shelter in the hollow buckwheat hulls. A feed has been added for the duration of the transport. The larvae can be sprinkled directly onto leaves in calm weather, or released in Bioboxes. The larvae should be introduced at many points in the plants, i.e. many Bioboxes should be hung with just a small amount of larvae in each. We recommend aiming for 10 to 20 larvae per biobox if you are treating a large area such as a hedge. So, for a good distribution on the whole surface, you will need to up to 50 bioboxes (1000 larvae divided by 20 larvae per box), depending on the size of the plant(s). If you don't want to buy bioboxes, you can also use paper coffee filters that you attach to the branches of the plants with a paper clip or a clothespin.
Chrysopa larvae work just as well as ladybug larvae but are much less expensive on a cost-per-larva basis. Among many other pests, we have had very good results with lacewings in the control of beech woolly aphid. You must purchase enough larvae in one go to solve your problem; otherwise the populations will spiral back upwards and you will be back where you started. Chrysopa larvae metamorphose after a few weeks and the adult insects that emerge from the pupae tend to fly away. You will not easily have a new generation in your garden.
Packaging
Chrysopa : 1000 or 10.000 units in a tube.
Either format is easy to use because the larvae can be distributed in BioBoxes or sprinkled directly on the leaves.
Dosage
1000 larvae are sufficient for 40 to 100 m², depending on the degree of infestation at the time of treatment. For low-growing plants at the beginning of an infestation, we count 10 larvae per m2. For hedges, we calculate an average of 20 larvae per running meter of hedge. For trees and shrubs, you must make an estimate taking into account the diameter of the crown and the height. In the case of woolly aphids in beech hedges or apple aphids on fruit trees, use a sufficiently high dose because these aphids develop very quickly into an infestation.
Lacewing larvae and ants
In the control of aphids, it is important to chase away as many ants as possible, or prevent them from reaching the aphids in your plants. You can use Mier-run nematodes in the ant nest, or you can affix an adhesive strip in the tree beforehand (glue tape).
Tips and tricks
- Do not release in stormy weather.
- The best remedy against the woolly beech aphid.
- The only way to control scale insects outdoors.
- Apply a sticky anti-ant strip around the tree trunk beforehand.
Questions?
If you need help deciding on the best course of action for your particular pest situation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have more than 30 years of experience with biocontrol in the home organic garden and we are happy to help you.