GREEN LACEWING EGGS

Eggs are oval and pale green in color. Just before the larvae hatch, eggs become gray in color. The eggs are normally shipped in vials with food and a carrier such as rice hulls, bran or vermiculite. It is best to allow a few of the lacewing larvae to begin emerging from the eggs before field releases are made. Then, release as soon as possible to avoid cannibalism. The best time to release is early morning or late afternoon. If release is not possible nearly immediately upon arrival of the lacewing eggs, because of weather conditions, for example, the eggs can be stored at no lower than 50°F for up to 48 hours. To minimize egg mortality, humidity should be approximately 75%. Warmer temperatures will speed up larval emergence, but the eggs should not be held at more than 80°F.

For small areas, sprinkle the contents of the container(s) over the entire target area. For large areas you may need to mix eggs with additional inert ingredients such as vermiculite, bran, saw dust, etc. to help dispersal. You may also release eggs on every other row on alternating dates. If eggs are purchased on adhesive squares, attach the squares to the underside of leaves in the target area.

Recently, a new application technology, the BioSprayer, was developed for applying lacewing eggs contained in water mixed with a special adhesive (BioCarrier). Lacewing eggs are merely sprayed on to plants where they stick and larvae emerge for several days. The sprayer attaches to the 3-point hitch of a farm tractor and can be used to spray row crops, vineyards, or trees. This equipment allows for green lacewing application to large agricultural plantings while providing maximum dispersion and maximum pest control.

Beneficial Insectary has developed a color fact sheet, Optimizing Applications of Chrysoperla rufilabris Eggs, that is available to customers upon request.