The larvae of several species of lacewing occur on apple but the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea is the species most likely to be encountered.
- It overwinters as an adult (often in artificial refuges if provided) and emerges early in spring. Adults are attracted to the honeydew produced by aphid colonies.
- Eggs, which are borne on stalks, are laid on leaves. Larvae feed principally on aphids.
- The provision of artificial refuges is useful for increasing numbers early in spring.
Lacewing larvae show a greater tolerance to several pesticides than many other predators, though they are susceptible to insect growth regulators.
- There is little evidence that natural populations of lacewings have a major regulatory effect on aphids or other pests.
- However, they are available from biological control suppliers and it is possible to make inundative releases, which have been shown to give at least partial control of aphids and spider mites in some experiments.
- Such an approach is prohibitively costly for commercial apple production.