SKU: 80050616202

Lacewing Larvae for Aphids | Chrysoperla carnea | Biological Control

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Description

Lacewing Larvae for Aphids | Chrysoperla carnea | Biological ControlThe properly voracious aphid predator green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea) that genuinely earn their "aphid lion" nickname. A single larva consumes 300600 aphids during its 23 week feeding life, working its way through the colonies that ordinary sprays only partially knock back. Properly the biological alternative for serious aphid problems on roses, sweet peas, brassicas, fruit trees, indoor plants, greenhouses, polytunnels and anywhere else

The properly voracious aphid predator — green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea) that genuinely earn their "aphid lion" nickname. A single larva consumes 300–600 aphids during its 2–3 week feeding life, working its way through the colonies that ordinary sprays only partially knock back. Properly the biological alternative for serious aphid problems on roses, sweet peas, brassicas, fruit trees, indoor plants, greenhouses, polytunnels and anywhere else aphids have established themselves.

Despatched directly from Ladybird Plant Care as a live biological product. Properly fast turnaround — order by 10am Monday for delivery later in the same week.

You can read the full instructions for this product here.

What they are

Lacewing larvae are the immature stage of the common green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) — one of the most effective generalist predators known to gardening. The larvae look properly like tiny alligators — beige-brown bodies about 8mm long with dark markings, curved sickle-shaped jaws, and a properly determined hunting posture. Each larva spends 14–21 days actively hunting aphids and other soft-bodied prey before pupating into the lovely adult lacewing.

Worth knowing: the larvae do the pest control work, not the adults. Adult lacewings feed only on pollen, nectar and honeydew — properly useful as pollinators but not as predators. The product you receive is therefore the larval stage specifically — the part of the lifecycle that does the work.

How they hunt

Lacewing larvae are properly aggressive hunters. They crawl across plant surfaces, locate prey by movement and chemical cues, and grasp them with curved mandibles. The larva injects a salivary fluid that digests the prey's body contents, then sucks out the liquefied interior. The whole consumption takes a few minutes per aphid; the larva can take prey larger than itself if needed.

A single larva consumes around 300–400 aphids on average during full development, with the most voracious third-instar larvae managing up to 120 aphids in 24 hours under optimal conditions. Total lifetime consumption can exceed 600 aphids when prey is abundant.

What they control

  • Aphids — all species, all life stages; properly the primary target
  • Mealybugs — properly effective, particularly on houseplants and conservatory plants
  • Thrips — both larvae and eggs
  • Whitefly — eggs and pupae particularly
  • Spider mites — all active stages
  • Lepidopteran eggs — small caterpillars and moth eggs
  • Scale insect crawlers — the young mobile stage
  • Other small soft-bodied pests on foliage

Properly a generalist predator. Strong on aphids primarily, but useful against the entire suite of sap-sucking foliar pests.

What they don't control

  • Adult moths or butterflies — flying adults aren't accessible
  • Hard-bodied insects — beetles, weevil adults
  • Soil-dwelling pests — larvae work on foliage. For soil pests use Hypoaspis Mites or nematodes
  • Slugs and snails — wrong tool entirely
  • Adult lacewings don't predate — the predation period is the 2–3 week larval stage only
  • Eggs on stalks are sometimes ignored (some pest eggs on stalks evade the larvae)

How to use them

  • Apply immediately on arrival — live biological product at its best fresh
  • Brief storage if needed — cool (10–15°C) for up to a day or two if essential delay
  • Distribute across infested plants — sprinkle directly onto aphid-affected foliage, or apply via paper/card placement on leaves
  • Apply at dusk or in cool conditions — avoid direct sunlight at application
  • Target the infested plants directly — don't scatter randomly; place where the aphids are
  • Don't apply during heavy rain — can dislodge larvae before they establish
  • Repeat applications often beneficial — 2–3 releases at 7–10 day intervals for substantial infestations
  • Indoor and outdoor — equally effective in greenhouses, polytunnels, conservatories, indoor plants, outdoor borders, vegetable patches

Application rates

Rough guidance from professional usage:

  • Preventative use: 5 larvae per plant or per square metre of growing area
  • Light infestation: 10 larvae per plant or per square metre
  • Heavy infestation: 10–20 larvae per plant; consider multiple releases
  • Greenhouse / polytunnel: distribute evenly across growing area
  • Container plants: 5–10 larvae per pot for heavy infestation

Choosing pack size

  • 500 larvae (£28.00) — covers approximately 50–100 plants preventatively, or 25–50 plants under active infestation. Properly suitable for: a domestic garden with aphid issues on roses or fruit trees, a small greenhouse, a houseplant collection with mealybug problems. £56 per 1,000 larvae
  • 1000 larvae (£40.00) — covers approximately 100–200 plants preventatively. Properly suitable for: a larger garden, a serious greenhouse / polytunnel operation, an allotment with multiple aphid-prone crops, or a small commercial growing space. £40 per 1,000 larvae — 28.6% better value per larva than the smaller pack

For most home gardeners with one or two aphid hotspots, the 500-pack is properly the right starting point. For substantial spring aphid outbreaks across the garden, the 1000-pack pays back.

Optimal conditions

  • Temperature: 15–30°C optimal; larvae slow significantly below 15°C
  • Humidity: 60–80% ideal; performs across wider range
  • Light: any conditions; larvae are active day and night
  • Plants: works on virtually all foliage; particularly good on roses, sweet peas, brassicas, fruit trees, peppers, tomatoes, indoor plants
  • Compatible with most other biological controls and chemical-free approaches

Integrated pest management

Lacewing larvae work properly well alongside other biological controls in the Ladybird Plant Care range:

  • For severe aphid infestations — combine Lacewing Larvae with Horticultural Soap at first knock-back, then release larvae to mop up survivors and prevent re-establishment
  • For mixed pest problems — Lacewing Larvae handle most foliar pests; Hypoaspis Mites handle soil-stage pests; nematodes handle larger soil pests
  • For fungus gnat issues — use Hypoaspis specifically; Lacewing Larvae don't target fungus gnats well
  • For brassica caterpillars — use InsectoNet Plastic Free Netting for physical exclusion alongside Lacewing Larvae for any aphids that get under the net

Attracting future lacewings to the garden

The released larvae will eventually pupate and emerge as adult lacewings. The adults don't contribute to pest control directly, but they do lay eggs that hatch into the next generation of larvae — properly the start of an ongoing predator population if your garden suits them. To attract and retain adults:

  • Plant nectar-rich flowers — particularly umbelliferous plants (dill, fennel, coriander), composite flowers (cosmos, asters), and yarrow. See our plants for pollinators range
  • Provide overwintering habitat — let some seedheads stand through winter; lacewings overwinter as adults in sheltered spots
  • Avoid broad-spectrum chemical sprays — obvious but worth saying; chemicals kill the lacewings you've paid to release

Specifications

  • Species: Chrysoperla carnea (Common green lacewing)
  • Brand: Ladybird Plant Care
  • Type: Live larval-stage biological predator
  • Larval stage: 2–3 weeks active hunting before pupation
  • Consumption: 300–600 aphids per larva across full development
  • Pack sizes: 500 larvae (£28) or 1000 larvae (£40)
  • Best value: 1000-pack at £40 per 1,000 larvae (28.6% better than 500-pack)
  • Dispatch: Order by 10am Monday for delivery later the same week
  • Storage: Apply on arrival; brief hold at 10–15°C if delayed
  • Safety: Safe for humans, pets, plants and pollinators; doesn't bite humans
  • Edible crop use: Suitable; no harvest interval restriction

About Ladybird Plant Care

Ladybird Plant Care are UK specialists in biological and organic pest control, supplying live nematodes, predatory insects, lacewing larvae and naturally-derived sprays direct to gardeners. We're proud to stock their range as one of our trusted collective partners. Live products dispatch directly at peak freshness — properly the right approach for biological materials.

A small thought: there's something properly satisfying about releasing a packet of tiny predators onto a rose bush full of aphids and watching nature do the work over the next two weeks. No sprays, no chemicals, no daily checking. Just the larvae quietly working their way through the colonies until the aphids are gone. The kind of pest control that gets on with itself — and properly the way our gardens used to manage themselves before we started trying to do everything with bottles.

Shipping Notes
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  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 80050616202

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4.4 ★★★★★
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Amanda Greathouse
Boise, US
★★★★★ 3
3.5 stars, A little boring to say the least.
Format: Kindle
Wow so I'm not sure where to begin on this one. This was a very different take on the legend of Arthur and Excalibur. This is told from the point of view of Morgan the sister of Arthur. Honestly the first 50% of this book is world building and character building which unfortunately was super boring for me. Morgan to me was a female MC that had a hard time in believing in herself. Sometimes taking too long to understand exactly what was going on around her. Draven was also a different male MC, like I couldn't put my finger on him and what he was all about. It was not until the last 10% of the book did we get some answers on the mystery that is Draven. The other 50% of the book centered around this big journey with everyone having a different motive. We see a spark of magic around this time that had me excited but then we never expanded upon that and what it could mean for the female MC. I feel like I want to read the second book just to see where this goes, but the spice was probably a 2 out of 5. Side characters are ok, Lancelet was fun but I almost felt like I wanted more.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
K
Verified Purchase
Krystina
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
A bewitching retelling of Arthurian legend!
Format: Kindle
In a land where the Fae have nearly become only a legend and those who still posses even a morsel of the blood are few and far between, Morgan finds herself cast aside by most of society due to her rumored half-Fae lineage, including her brother, King Arthur. With the kingdom at the brink of war, Arthur entrusts her with a quest to retrieve a Fae weapon of legendary power: the sword of Perun, Excalibur. Accompanied by men she loathes, Captain Kairos Draven and Ragnar Whitehorn, she embarks on her long and unbeknownst perilous journey, only to find that things she once believed to be myth are in fact very real. With devastating twists, omitted truths, witty banter and fierce action, Queen of Roses leaves you begging to know more about the secrets of Aercanum! Wow, wow, wow! Going into this story, I did not realize that it was going to be a retelling of Arthurian legend, especially not one with a fantastical twist! The unique spin almost gave me The Witcher vibes and I think adding Fae into the mix was quite interesting. I knew the basics of the legend but after reading this book, it has piqued my interest and makes me want to learn more about it. My attention was snatched as soon as I finished the prologue and I knew that I was going to devour this story. I truly enjoyed the gender swaps and even how Arthur was portrayed as villainous. Morgan’s past and even her parts of her present is absolutely heartbreaking, and I felt for her at times. I can only recall one other book that made me hate characters the way I despised Florian and Arthur, leaving me with my blood boiling and feeling disgusted. Even after finishing the book, Draven is still a mystery to me and I cannot figure out how to feel about him. I guess they just means that the author did an excellent job at conveying each character’s persona! The rich world building and imagery made it easy for me to visualize the places that the group visited along their journey. I am truly engulfed in this story and I cannot wait to see wait fate awaits Morgan and how the Fae will be even more incorporated in the next book!. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023
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Tiana
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
Enchanting
Format: Kindle
"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a delightful and refreshing reimagining of the classic tale of King Arthur, with a captivating twist that places the spotlight on Morgan, a character who has often been overshadowed in traditional retellings. Boleyn's creative decision to shift the narrative perspective to Morgan breathes new life into the story, offering readers an intriguing and compelling look at the Arthurian world from an entirely different angle. One of the most commendable aspects of this book is its incorporation of Fae elements, which adds an enchanting layer of magic and mystery to the already familiar Arthurian setting. Boleyn skillfully weaves the world of the Fae into the narrative, creating a captivating backdrop against which the events of the story unfold. This addition not only adds depth to the world-building but also provides ample opportunities for twists and turns that keep readers thoroughly engrossed. However, while the book boasts numerous strengths, it does have one noticeable flaw: the characterization of Morgan. While it is reasonable to create a flawed and complex protagonist, it appears that at times, Morgan's character becomes overly difficult and hard to relate to. Her persistently negative perception of one of the main male characters, who is a potential love interest, despite his efforts to support and assist her, may come across as somewhat irrational and could test the patience of some readers. Striking a balance between a strong, independent character and one who can recognize genuine support and affection could have enhanced the overall reader experience. Nonetheless, the allure of "Queen of Roses" lies in its innovative approach to the Arthurian legend and its skillful blending of fantasy elements into a familiar narrative. Boleyn's evocative prose draws readers into a world where magic, destiny, and fate entwine, leaving us eager to uncover the mysteries that unfold within the pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
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Stephanie
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
An action-packed dark romantasy
Format: Kindle
I loved this book! Queen of Roses is an Arthurian-inspired dark romantasy that is the first book in the Blood of Fae series. The story follows Morgan, the princess of Camelot who is rumored to be part fae. Fueled by prejudiced hatred and a mistrust of fae blood, Morgan’s abusive father strips her of her birthright and hands it to her half-brother, Arthur. Instead of becoming queen, Morgan is commanded to join the temple of the goddesses when she comes of age. However, Arthur turns into a psychopathic, power-hungry, fae-hating king as he ages. He develops malevolent plans and commands Morgan to find an ancient weapon with legendary power. Although Morgan is wary of Arthur’s intentions, she embraces the opportunity to go on a journey and potentially change her fate. The story picks up from there and we follow Morgan on her quest to find the ancient relic. It’s full of high stakes adventure, mystery, tension, banter, forced proximity, hidden magic, self discovery, and betrayal. This first installment of the series intricately develops the world building and character development. There’s little romance in this book, but it is evident that it is a slow burn that will continue to develop throughout the remainder of the series. Overall, I loved the world building, the epic fantasy, Morgan’s journey of self discovery, and all of the twists and turns that set the stage for the future installments. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
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Verified Purchase
AlynReads
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 4
Arthurian Fae Quest…say less.
Format: Kindle
A fae centered Arthurian tale unlike any I’ve read so far. The author did a great job at descriptive world building, with scenes easily playing out in my minds eye. There was plenty of action, suspense, and even a touch of horror. An enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, a quest, with plot twist and turns aplenty. There was a love triangle, which I’m not usually a fan of but, it played out well in this story line. The FMC, Morgan Pendragon, was so blatantly naïve, yet I typically expect as much in a ‘book one’ of a series, especially one that features a fairly sheltered princess. I was happy to read that in spite of this, she still showed a strong sense of morals, fire, and spine. Now our MMC? Kairos Draven, aka Void’s Edge. Oh, how I’m a sucker for a smoking’ hot grumpy warrior alpha with a witty mouth, and a strong sense of “touch her and die” attitude, so you know who held all my cards. That ending? Just made me swoon all the harder. Now add a battlecat that rivals the size of a horse…and well Ms. Briar Boleyn you have well and truly stolen my heart. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here, and follow along to see more of the characters growth. I went into this story fairly blind, and I think I enjoyed it all the more because of it. Once the story got going, it had me in an absolute chokehold and it was difficult to put down.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024

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