Macro portrait of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla rufilabris, showing compound eyes and mouthparts
Each adult female may deposit more than 200 eggs. For best results, habitats should be provided that encourage the adults to remain and reproduce in the release area. Nectar, pollen, and honeydew stimulate their reproductive process. If these food sources are not available, adults may disperse. An artificial diet called Wheast is available to provide the adults with the necessary nutrition they need for reproduction. Wheast powder mixed with sugar and water is used at Beneficial Insectary to help mass-rear the lacewing. Studies by universities and the USDA have shown that spraying field crops with a Wheast/sugar/water mixture increases egg laying considerably. Lacewing adults can survive the winter in protected places but have a difficult time surviving cold winters.
Size: 3671px × 3534px
Photo credit: © Scenics & Science / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: aphid, chrysoperla, compound, eyes, friend, garden, green, lacewing, lion, macro, mouthparts, portrait, predator, rufilabris, showing
