CHRYSOforce™ R – Generalist Predator

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Chrysoperla rufilabris is a species of green lacewing whose lacewing larvae are aggressive predators. They are primarily used for aphid and, to an extent, mealybug control, but will also feed on soft-bodied insects, including whiteflies (eggs and immature stages), some species of scale insects, and a few species of pest mites.

Adults are not predatory and only feed on nectar or pollen. However, C. rufilabris are available as green lacewing eggs, larvae, or adults. Which life stage you choose depends on pest level, timing, and environment.

Eggs are useful for aphid prevention on highly susceptible plants or if pest levels are still low. The major advantage of using insect eggs is that they are more affordable than the larvae. Lacewing larvae are excellent for a quick knockdown of aphids or other suitable pest outbreaks.

Natural enemies, such as green lacewing larvae, are advantageous due to their adaptability to various pest populations. The adults are mainly utilized for tree production since they fly to the foliage where they lay eggs. One of the best benefits of using lacewing species is that they are not picky about what aphid species they eat (unlike Aphidius spp. and other parasitoids).

If you are unsure of the aphid species or have multiple species in the same facility, lacewings are a great option. Even if you know precisely which species of aphid you have, for outbreaks or hotspots, lacewings are always a great choice in combination with Aphidius spp. or other parasitoid wasps.

Lacewing Fly Life History

Adult green lacewings are around 2 cm long and resemble moths when in flight. Females will actively seek out aphid colonies so they can lay their insect eggs among them. Eggs are attached to hair-like stalks that hang down below the leaves (if they’re laid on the underside, which they usually are).

The tiny larvae that eggs hatch into will immediately begin consuming aphids or plant debris (or each other if there are no pests present). They are known as aphid lions due to their efficiency, and they can eat around 100 aphids or more in their lifetime.

Depending on temperature, green lacewing larvae will live between two to three weeks before pupating. The pupal stage lasts roughly five days, and adults can live four to six weeks.

Benefits of Green Lacewings

Optimal conditions for the larvae are 67–89°F with a relative humidity of 30% or greater. These are the optimal conditions, so a few degrees off either way will not have a big impact on them.

The biggest benefit of green lacewing larvae is how aggressive they are. They are ferocious predators that will eat anything they can catch, and they are always hungry. They’re also cost-effective, especially the eggs. They can quickly knock down moderate levels of aphid infestations, as well as help control many other pests.

The golden eyes of adults make them recognizable, and the adults are particularly useful in tree crops since they will fly to the aphid populations where they lay their eggs.

Drawbacks

As mentioned above, they will eat almost anything, including people (they’ll try to, at least). The green lacewing larvae will bite, but it’s not medically significant and has no long-lasting effects. Since the larvae are small, it’s very difficult to scout for them once they’re in the crop.

The only other real downside is that they’re difficult to use in crops that are hard to reach (e.g., hanging baskets) or on crops with many small populations of aphids scattered throughout the facility. The green lacewing larvae don’t fly, so you have to put them exactly where you need them

Scouting

It’ll be difficult to find the larvae in the crop. They’re small, fast, and don’t want to be found. The best opportunity would be in the evening, though. The biggest clue they’re in the crop and doing their jobs would be the lack of pests a few days after release.

Advisories

If ants are present, be sure to control them before releasing Chrysoperla or aphid parasitoids. Aphids produce honeydew that the ants feed on. Because of this, ants protect them from predators or parasitoids. Adult lacewings need pollen, nectar, or other suitable food to breed and lay eggs.

Wheast can be given to them as a supplement. Please note, Chrysoperla rufilabris do not eat root-feeding aphids. At this time, there is no scientific evidence that supports using beneficial insects for root-feeding aphids. 

The best curative approach we are aware of is approved mycoinsecticides labelled for aphids applied to the root zone.

Usages

The green lacewing eggs and larvae are useful in greenhouses, fields, interiorscapes, orchards, and gardens. They can be used just about anywhere that the pests are. The adults should be used only in row crops, trees, orchards, and possibly tall interior plantings.

Release Rates for Chrysoperla rufilabris

Classification	Release Information
Prevent	1-3 per 10sq.ft., monthly, as needed
Low	2-5 per 10sq.ft. bi-weekly, 2-3 times
Med	4-8 per 10sq.ft., weekly, 2-4 times
High	1 per sq.ft., bi-wkly, 3-5 times
Maint	1-2 per 10sq.ft., tri-weekly, indef.
Garden	60-90% of rates listed
Acre+	20-50% of rates listed.
Comments	Rates shown are for larvae. If you’re using eggs, multiply the calculated rate by five (5). If employing adults, divide the calculated rate by four (4). Release rate suggestions on these pages are usually not sufficient for cannabis growers. For cannabis release rates contact us: 1.855.289.1441 or [email protected].

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