Chrysoline biological control agent contains the second instar larvae of Chrysoperla sp. They are commonly known as Green Lacewings. Chrysoperla sp. larvae are predators of insects, mites and aphids. Adults feed only on nectar and pollen, and are not predatory.
Key Features
>> Targets a broad spectrum of aphid pests on different plants, thus reducing the worry of making an incorrect species identification.
>> One larva can eat more than 200 aphids.
>> Easy to observe and monitor.
>> Adults disperse and hunt down aphid colonies. Adult females lay single eggs on long stalks, usually on the underside of leaves. When the larva hatches, it immediately moves down this stalk until it reaches the leaf surface, where it begins to search for prey.
>> Ideal for hot spot treatments due to its quick knock down effect on aphids.
>> Larvae need food to survive and complete their larval stages so Chrysoline is not suitable for preventive use.
Main uses
>> Aphids
>> Mealy Bugs
How It Works
>> The larvae remain in place on aphid colonies and are used as a curative treatment for localized attacks. Once the mandibles have penetrated the prey, lacewing larvae inject enzymes which gradually digest the internal organs of the aphid. When digestion is complete, the liquid body contents are sucked out through the mandibles.
>> Adults will disperse, so new releases may be required to maintain control. Tests on aphids show total consumption by a single larva in 14 days at 21°C:
>> More than 200 Macrosiphum euphorbiae
>> 385 Myzus persicae
>> 425 Aphis gossypii
