BeneficialLettuce aphid

Green lacewing for lettuce aphid

Chrysoperla carnea · green lacewing larvae

Against lettuce aphid

UC IPM names green lacewing larvae among the lettuce aphid's natural predators, and in lab tests third-instar Chrysoperla carnea larvae showed an overall preference for lettuce aphid over western flower thrips (preference index 0.65; Shrestha & Enkegaard 2013). In California organic romaine, lacewing eggs released by drone gave what the authors call preliminary evidence of lower lettuce aphid numbers than in untreated plots (Del Pozo-Valdivia et al. 2021; species not named). Treat it as a supplement to wild hoverflies, not a replacement.

Rate2–20 /m² per release, weekly

TimingOn young lettuce, before the aphids are sealed inside closing heads

Temperature20–28 °C best; works above a 12 °C average

macro · green lacewing on lettuce aphid

The pestLettuce aphidNasonovia ribisnigriAphids packed into the heart of the head; contaminated, unsaleable lettuceFull pest profile →

Before you order

Larvae released onto aphid hot spots and other soft-bodied pests; the adults do not hunt and most fly off. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Chrysoperla carnea profile.

Release calculator

How many do I need?

Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →

Will it survive my spray?

Pesticide sensitivity

Check anything applied in the last month before releasing. Check a product →

Other controls for lettuce aphid

HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — intercrop with sweet alyssum, coriander, baby's breath or Persian clover (UC IPM)
Aphelinus abdominalisParasitoid wasp · 0.25–4 /m² per release, repeated