Brown Lacewing (Micromus variegatus)
Identification
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.
- 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.)
- Aphids
- Thrips
- 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.
Bottle
A bottle containing adults of Micromus variegatus with paper strips.
Application 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 |
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