Bugs For Bugs Lacewings

A generalist predator for the control of a wide range of pests including aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs and scale insects. Supplied as adults in packs of 100, or as eggs (which hatch into larvae during transit) in packs of 500.

Green Lacewings (Mallada signatus) are hardy, generalist predators that feed on many small insects including aphids, caterpillars, moth eggs, scale insects, mealybugs, psyllids, and lace bugs. They are among the most common and widely distributed native lacewings in Australia.

Adults are green, 15 mm long, and have large ‘lacey’ wings. They live for 3-4 weeks, feeding on nectar, pollen and honeydew. Adult female Lacewings lay up to 600 eggs. Each egg sits on the end of a slender stalk. The larvae are often called ‘trash carriers’ or ‘junk bugs’ because they carry the remains of their prey on their backs. They have two pairs of hollow jaws which they use to grasp and then suck out the body fluids of their prey. Larvae range in size from 2 mm at first emergence to 8 mm just before they pupate. They pass through three moults before pupating inside a silken cocoon. Adult females start laying eggs about a week after emergence.

Key target pests

• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Mealybugs
• Scale insects

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