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| Lacewings |
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Adult
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The larvae of lacewings is an extremely effective predator of greenfly, thrips and mites
Some camouflage themselves by placing dead aphid skins on their bristly backs.
They have six legs and are up to 8mm long.
The larvae seizes and punctures its prey with its long sickle shaped jaws, injecting a paralyzing venom, then it sucks out the body fluids.
Each larva can consume up to 50 aphids or greenfly a day.
The adult is a slow flying nocturnal insect that feeds on nectar and pollen and can often be seen over wintering indoors.
If natural adult lacewings are not around, larvae can be purchased from mail order suppliers.
It is recommended to use purchased Lacewing larvae in greenhouses or conservatories, although spot treatments outdoors are possible when temperatures are above 12°C (54°F)
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