Chilli Seeds NZ close up image of Lacewing on a leaf

Lacewings

Lacewings and chilli plants may not seem like an obvious partnership, but this dynamic duo is quickly becoming a garden staple in New Zealand. Together, these two natural allies provide a potent blend of beauty and power, helping avid chilli growers achieve healthy, high-yielding plants. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of lacewings and their invaluable contribution to the life and success of chilli plants.

A Delicate Garden Guardian

Lacewings are delicate insects belonging to the order Neuroptera. With their gossamer wings and slender bodies, they appear fragile but don't be fooled by their appearance. These captivating creatures are fierce predators, known for their voracious appetite for garden pests such as aphids, mites, and whiteflies. Comprising over 2,000 species, lacewings can be found all over the world, with the green lacewing (Chrysoperla rufilabris) being one of the most common and beneficial species in New Zealand.

Identification

Lacewings are relatively easy to identify, thanks to their distinctive features. Adults are typically 12-20 mm in length, with large, iridescent wings, veined in a net-like pattern. Green lacewings, as their name suggests, boast a vibrant green hue, while brown lacewings display a more muted, earthy tone. Lacewing larvae, also known as "aphid lions," are small, ferocious predators. They have elongated, spindle-shaped bodies with powerful mandibles used for capturing and consuming prey.

Benefits

The presence of lacewings in your chilli garden offers a plethora of advantages. By preying on common pests, they reduce the need for chemical interventions, promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. Additionally, lacewings help to maintain the natural balance of your garden's ecosystem, ensuring that pest populations don't spiral out of control. As a result, your chilli plants will flourish, producing larger, more bountiful harvests for you to enjoy.

Where to Purchase

If you're eager to enlist the help of lacewings in your chilli garden, you'll be pleased to know that they are readily available for purchase. Many garden centres and online retailers offer live lacewing larvae or eggs, often in packs designed to provide ample coverage for a given area. Be sure to select a reputable supplier that guarantees healthy, viable insects. Once introduced to your garden, lacewings will quickly get to work, safeguarding your chilli plants and ensuring a thriving, productive season.

Bioforce NZ - McHort NZ

Lacewings are an invaluable addition to any chilli garden, providing efficient, natural pest control while contributing to a healthier ecosystem. By understanding their characteristics and benefits, you can make an informed decision to incorporate these wonderful insects into your gardening strategy. With the help of lacewings, your chilli plants will reach their full potential, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labour in the form of a bountiful, flavoursome harvest. Embrace the power of this fiery alliance and watch your garden thrive.

  • Chilli Seeds NZ close up image of Lacewing larve on a leaf
  • Chilli Seeds NZ close up image of Lacewing on a leaf
  • Chilli Seeds NZ close up image of Lacewing large eating an Aphid
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