Green lacewing for melon aphid
UC IPM lists lacewing larvae among melon aphid's predators in cucurbits, and green lacewings among the important aphid predators in greenhouse ornamentals. Melon aphid feeds on leaf undersides and growing tips, so release larvae directly onto the colonies. UC IPM adds two limits: biological control does not reduce the spread of the cucurbit viruses this aphid carries, and on the marketed parts of ornamentals it rarely gives satisfactory control on its own.
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.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Pesticide sensitivity
Check anything applied in the last month before releasing. Check a product →
Other controls for melon aphid
- Aphidius colemaniParasitoid wasp · 0.25–4 /m² per release, at least three releases
- Aphidoletes aphidimyzaPredatory midge · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly
- Braconid waspsWild parasitoid · Wild — conserve; do not buy
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — attract adults with open flowers
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release — conserve the ones already there