Chrysopa

Chrysopa (Chrysoperla carnea) — Green Lacewing Larvae for Aphid & Mixed Pest Control
Chrysopa contains larvae of Chrysoperla carnea, a highly effective generalist predator for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. These larvae are aggressive hunters that crawl across plant surfaces, piercing and consuming prey in all life stages—eggs, larvae, and soft-bodied adults. Chrysopa is chemical-free and safe for use in any growing environment including greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, flower beds, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, indoor plants including houseplants and more.

Immediate feeding: Larvae begin consuming pests upon application
Broad-spectrum control: Targets aphids plus thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies, and more

Use For
Chrysopa larvae feed on many pests encountered on foliage, including:

Aphids (all common species)
Mealybugs
Thrips (larvae and eggs)
Whitefly eggs and pupae
Spider mites (all active stages)
Lepidopteran eggs
Other small soft-bodied pests

When to Use Chrysopa
Use wherever aphids or mixed pest pressure is present and fast, targeted biological control is needed. Effective across all growing environments.

Recommended for:
Active aphid and/or mealybug colonies
Mixed pressure situations where aphids occur with thrips, mealybugs, or whiteflies
Preventative to High-pressure zones
Growers seeking long-term prevention & control

How It Works
Mode of Action: Larvae pierce prey with curved jaws and consume body fluids completely
Behavior: Larvae crawl along plant surfaces to find and feed on pests
Visual Effect: Pest numbers drop as Chrysopa larvae feed; shriveled skins may remain

Feeding Rates
Second-instar larvae (included in Chrysopa) consume ~20–40 aphids per day under optimal conditions
Third instar larvae can consue ~30–60 aphids per day
Larval feeding lasts ~14–21 days before pupation
Total consumption across the larval stage can exceed 400–500 aphids, plus additional thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites when encountered under optimal conditions.

Lifecycle of Chrysoperla carnea
Egg Stage
Oval, pale green
Larval Stages
Yellow to gray-green, highly mobile, equipped with curved jaws for piercing prey.
Primary feeding stage lasting 2–3 weeks.
Pupal Stage
Larvae form a tiny silken cocoon—about the size of a pinhead (2–4 mm), oval, and white to cream-colored—attached lightly to a leaf, stem, or other sheltered surface. It looks like a small speck of silk, not a web or mass. This cocoon is external and does not harm plants.
Adult Stage
Slim, bright green body with delicate, transparent wings and golden eyes. Green lacewing adults feed on nectar and pollen; adults are not included in Chrysopa.

Release Rates & Application