Host Plants:
Where Found:
Worldwide in most temperate climates
Description:
Lacewings are usually green or brown in colour, and can be easily recognized by their long, transparent, lace-like wings. Lacewing adults are usually nocturnal, and will lay eggs at night in groups attached to the underside of leaves by long stalks around 1cm in length. Lacewing larvae are elongated and almost hump-backed in shape. They have long bristles along their sides which trap debris and help to camouflage the larvae from predatory birds.
Beneficial Because:
Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of small pests such as aphids, whitefly, caterpillars and leaf-beetle larvae. They will colonise almost any plant where they have a plentiful food supply, and can effectively keep troublesome plant pests under control.
Food and Habitat:
Adult lacewings feed on small invertebrates, but also feed on nectar. Lacewing larvae will feed on many species of soft-bodied invertebrates, particularly aphids. They will also eat invertebrate eggs.
Attracting More:
Lacewings can be encouraged to breed in your garden by providing a wide range of nectar-rich plants. They also need safe havens to hibernate overwinter, such as log piles and dense hedges. Tolerate small aphid outbreaks in spring to help support a thriving summer population of lacewings. Do not use insecticidal soaps or other natural pesticides on plants where lacewing eggs are present.
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