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Why are green lacewings used in biological control of insect pests?
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Adult green lacewing (Chrysopa species).
Green lacewings (family Chrysopidae) are highly valued in biological control primarily due to the voracious appetites of their larvae.1
Often referred to as aphidlions, these larvae possess prominent sucking mouthparts designed to capture and drain the body fluids of aphids and various other soft-bodied insects. Because they effectively reduce pest populations in gardens and agricultural settings, they are considered beneficial insects and are actively encouraged as a natural, sustainable method of pest management.1