Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - GREEN LACEWINGS
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SIGNS

Slender pale green insect, ˝ - ľ inch long with transparent, highly veined wings and immense golden eyes

Grayish to brown, mottled and spiny larvae with flattened body tapered at the tail, distinct legs and large pinchers

Spherical, parchment-like, silken cocoons attached to plants or under loose bark

Eggs at the ends of long silken stalks singly or in clusters

SYMPTOMS

None

CAUSE

Green lacewings from the genera Chrysoperla and Chrysopa

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

Commonly found in agricultural, landscape, and garden habitats

In mild winter areas, can be found throughout the year

Adults in the genera Chrysoperla feed only on nectar, pollen and honeyed dew; those in the genera Chrysopa consume these as well as well as some insects

Larvae are the voracious hunters

Adults are active fliers during evening and night with a characteristic, fluttering flight, often being drawn to light

TREATMENT

Prevention:

None – these insects should be encouraged to stay in your garden by providing nectar-producing plants along with some flowering weeds, a source of water and a low level of aphids

Elimination:

None - you don’t want to eliminate these from the garden

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

Definitely a good guy; the larvae as predators and the beautiful adults as pollinators

Return to the Main Page

FAST FACTS - GREEN LACEWINGS by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

FAST FACTS - GREEN LACEWINGS
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian