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Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus)

Description

Brown lacewing (Micromus variegatus) is an exceptionnal aphids predator. It was first collected when looking for Foxglove Aphid parasitoids in pepper crops. During the pepper survey, this species was frequently associated with active Foxglove Aphid colonies.

Adult are delicate insects, 1,5 cm long. They are brown, with oval wings and long antennae.The eggs are laid on plants, generally near aphid colonies. The larvae are predatory, with strong mandibles (mouthparts) that enables them to seize their prey.

Unlike most green lacewings, brown lacewings are predatory at all mobile stages ot their live-cycle. In fac, it is the adult that does most of the predation, usually at night.

Availability

For the commercial market only.

Commercial

Targeted crops

Greenhouse vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, lettuce, etc.)
Vegetables grown outdoors (celery, cruciferous vegetables, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, etc.)
Orchards
Ornamental plants
Small fruits (strawberries, raspberries, grapes, etc.).
Trees, bushes and shrubs (rose bushes, apple trees, arrowood, etc.)

Targeted pests

Melon aphid (Aphis gossypii)
Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
Other aphid species
Long-tailed mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus)
Whiteflies (greenhouse and tobacco whiteflies)
Leafhoppers
Soft-bodied insects (caterpillars and nymphs)
Thrips and invertebrate eggs

Life cycle

Optimal conditions for development are temperatures between 20 and 31o C, with more than 30% relative humidity.
Eggs are laid low in the plant.
Females lay 100 tp 150 eggs in their lifetime.
Adult and larva can consume 20 to 25 aphids per day.
Do not enter dipause under short-day conditions.

Formats

Container

AB020 - Micromus variegatus - 50 adults
AB021 - Micromus variegatus - 100 adults

Introduction rate

Corps	Quantity	Surface	Frequency	Duration
Preventive	0,1 adult	per m²	as needed	as needed
Curative	1 adult	per m²	as needed	as needed

Additional information

Targeted pest

Targeted production

Did you know

The adult and larva of convergent lady beetle can eat 10 to 170 aphids per day.

Source : Réseau de surveillance du puceron du soya, carnet de champ du dépisteur (2010).