Green Lacewing
Common species
Chrysoperla rufilabris: This species can be purchased and dispersed in the garden
Why they're helpful
Green lacewings consume aphids, catterpillars, whiteflies, scale insects, nymphs, and insect pest eggs. Adult lacewings eat aphid honeydew.
Identification
Adult green lacewings are small green insects with lacy wings. Eggs hang from thread-like structures under leaves. They have flat, alligator-like larvae.
How to attract
To attract lacewings avoid pesticides. Spray plants with sugar water (1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup water) so that aphids form aphid honeydew thus attracting lacewings. These insects can be purchased and dispersed in the garden.
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