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Lacewingforce for Aphid, Mealybug, Thrip and general Pest Control

Lacewing-Force for Aphid, Mealybug, Whitefly and General Pest Control

Mallada basalis - Predatory insect

Lacewing-Force the Green Lacewing are a small predatory insect that are the multitool of the insect world. They predate on a large variety of prey including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, moth eggs, caterpillars, passion vine hoppers, whitefly, thrips, scale insects and psyllids.

Green Lacewings are known to be useful in indoor and outdoor crops such as, capsicum, cucumber, vineyards, citrus, and other ornamentals as part of an integrated pest management program.

Green Lacewings are a predatory insect which as an adult grow to 7.5 - 15 mm in length. The larvae are aggressive predators however the adults feed on nectar. If it is not possibly to have sufficient nectar producing flowers in your crop it is possible to apply alternative artificial food sources for them to sustain in the crop.

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Eggs of the Green lacewing are laid on long hairs

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Green lacewing larvae attaches remains of it's prey to its back to disguise itself from predators. 

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Pupa of Green lacewing are a small silk wrapped ball usually in protected places.

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Adult Green lacewing hanging below a leaf.

The Pest:

Lacewing-Force is known to eat a wide variety of soft bodied insects. There is a preference for Aphids and Mealybugs as prey however other known targets include Spider mites, some thrips species, soft scale, small caterpillars, whitefly, moth eggs, passion vine hoppers and psyllids. 

Not all soft bodied insects provide sufficient nutrition for lacewing larvae to reach pupation or make it to adulthood. If this is an issue we suggest purchasing **BugFood** to complete the diet. 

Adult Lacewing-Force do not predate insects instead they feed on nectar. If there is no nectar sources in your crop we suggest adding artificial nectar sources to aid establishment. 
 

Symptoms and signs of aphids include:

  • Stunting and distortion of the leaves and flowers

  • Yellowing and wilting of leaves

  • Honey dew and sooty mould present on the plants

  • Aphids visible on the stem, leaves and flower buds

Life Cycle

The adults are green with two pairs of wings that cover their bodies. They have small heads with large black compound eyes and long antennae that are held out in front. The first larva stage is approximately 1.8 mm long and will grow to 7 - 9 mm within 7 days. Once a larva has matured it will form a pupa cocoon for around 10 days before emerging as an adult. The lifespan can range from 4 to 6 weeks depending on temperature and food availability.

Environmental Conditions

Lacewing-Force are best suited to temperatures above 5°C, below this temperature threshold the young life stages will take additional time to develop.

Optimal performance ranges is temperatures between 20°C to 31°C and a relative humidity of over 70% to promote establishment.

Packaging

Lacewing-Force are dispatched as eggs ready to hatch or first stage larvae in a bottle which can be tipped onto pest hotspots (Bioforce Release boxes are advisable for many plants), and sent via courier.

Application Rates

  • Lacewing-Force eggs

    Situation Dosage Area Repeat
    Preventative 2-5 per m2 Full Field 2-3 times weekly
    Curative 10-50 per m2 As required Weekly until control


    Lacewing-Force adults

    Situation Dosage Area Repeat
    Preventative 400-600 adults /Ha Full Field 1 to 3, 2 weeks apart
    Low curative 5-10 Adults/m2 As required Weekly as required


     

  • Heavier infestations of Lacewing-Force can benefit from the simultaneous release of other targeted beneficial insects such as Aphidius, Orius, Mite E or may require initial intervention with a soap, oil or soft chemical (contact Bioforce to discuss).

Release and Storage Instructions

Lacewing-Force need the following handling and treatment:

On arrival, release Lacewing-Force into the crop as soon as possible. If required store in a cool (10 to 15°C) dark environment for 1 to 2 days. Do not expose Lacewing-Force to direct sunlight DO NOT REFRIGERATE Release Lacewing-Force near a pest 'hot spot', and then evenly distribute the eggs throughout the area requiring treatment.

Post Release

Lacewing-Force will start predating pest after hatching. The eggs will change from a green colour to opaque-white once they have hatched. Scouting for larvae is best during the evening or on overcast days as they are usually well hidden during the day.

Before introducing Lacewing-Force into your crop please check residual chemical affects and ensure you know chemical compatibilities of products that may be applied.

A list of compatible pesticides and withholding periods can be found in the publication 'The Good Bug Book' Second Edition (2002), Editor Richard Llewellyn. Excerpts of the book can be obtained from the Tasman Lacewing page of the Australasian Biological Control Association website, click here then scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the PDF link.