Gracey (Green Lacewing)
Gracey is a green lacewing (Mallada signata) native to Australia. Adults feed on pollen and nectar but the juveniles are voracious predators and will feed on a broad range of pests. Gracey juveniles (sometimes called antlions) will eat almost any small insect or egg they can find. They are particularly effective at controlling aphids and can consume 60 in an hour.
Lacewings are available directly from Bugs for Bugs. Click on the link to visit their website.
Main Target Pests
- Aphids
Other Target Pests
- Two-spotted mite
- Greenhouse whitefly juveniles
- Scale (not all species)
- Mealybug
- Thrips
- Moth eggs
- Small caterpillars
Adult lacewings will establish and persist in your garden if nectar and pollen are present. Having a mix of flowering plants throughout the garden is a great way to encourage them to remain actively working in your garden. Also avoid the use of chemical sprays as most are toxic to lacewings. The eco-organic garden sprays are known to be safe however.
100 green lacewing eggs (Mallada signata)