| BIOLOGY |
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Adults and larvae are predatory on small Homopterans, (predominantly
Aphididae)
and may sometimes be important in limiting pest populations. They are very
commonly encountered on vegetation.
Lacewing larvae affectionately called "aphid lions" feed on a large number
of soft bodied pests, mites and insect eggs. A voracious predator they can
consume as many as 60 aphids an hour. Shipped as eggs in vermiculite, lacewing
larvae will feed for 2-3 weeks before becoming adults. Habitat: Green lacewings
are very common insects, found on grass, weeds, and shrubs, usually in relatively
open areas. They often give off an unpleasant odor when handled. Larvae sometimes
fall from trees or shrubs and may pierce the skin causing minor irritation.
Adults and larvae feed principally on aphids and are important agents in
the control of these insects. Eggs are laid at ends of tiny stalks, usually
on foliage; the larvae, which have long sickle-shaped mandibles, pupate in
small pea-shaped silken
cocoons.