Chrysoperla carnea

Type

Predator (lacewing larvae)

Target pests

• Aphids
• Thrips (some suppression)

Notes

Generalist predator useful for hotspots and mixed pest pressure.

IPM positioning

Generalist predator; effective as a clean-up agent. Limited establishment in closed greenhouse systems.

Best deployment strategy

• Deploy as a generalist clean-up where multiple soft-bodied pests are present.
• Target known hot-spots; repeat if pest pressure persists.
• Often best as a supplementary tool alongside more specialist predators/parasitoids.

Compatibility notes

• Works well with: aphid parasitoids (Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi) and ladybirds as complementary clean-up.
• Avoid: broad-spectrum insecticides; residues reduce larval survival.

Environmental preferences

• Performs best in moderate to warm conditions.
• Sensitive to disruptive residues; consistent climate improves larval hunting success.