​Lacewing: Nature’s Tiny Ally for a Healthier Garden

Published: August 25, 2025

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents:

​Lacewing: Nature’s Tiny Ally for a Healthier Garden cover

Introduction

When it comes to creating a thriving, pest-free garden, many homeowners immediately think of chemical sprays or store-bought solutions. However, nature has already provided some incredible little helpers to keep harmful pests in check. One of the most fascinating and effective of these natural allies is the lacewing. This delicate-looking insect plays a powerful role in maintaining balance in ecosystems, protecting plants, and supporting gardeners across Florida and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lacewings—their life cycle, their role in pest control, how to attract them to your garden, and why they’re considered one of the best natural tools for sustainable gardening.


What is a Lacewing?

At first glance, lacewings look fragile, with their long, slender bodies and transparent wings patterned with delicate veins, almost like lace. But despite their fragile appearance, they are incredibly effective predators, especially during their larval stage. Lacewings belong to the family Chrysopidae, and there are several species found in North America.

The lacewing is most recognized for its larvae, often nicknamed “aphid lions.” These tiny, alligator-like larvae are voracious feeders, preying on pests such as aphids, mites, thrips, and whiteflies. For gardeners trying to avoid chemical pesticides, lacewings offer a natural and highly efficient solution.


Chrysopidae lacewing larva on a green leaf of sunflower. It is a predator that eats plant pests.
Chrysopidae Lacewing Larva On A Green Leaf Of Sunflower.

The Life Cycle of a Lacewing

To fully understand the value of lacewings, it helps to look at their life cycle:

  1. Eggs – Female lacewings lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, each perched on a slender stalk. This unique structure helps protect the eggs from predators.
  2. Larvae – After hatching, lacewing larvae immediately begin hunting. Over the course of two to three weeks, they can consume hundreds of aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
  3. Pupation – Once the larval stage is complete, lacewings spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage.
  4. Adults – Emerging as delicate, winged adults, lacewings primarily feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. However, their role as pollinators and beneficial insects continues well beyond the larval stage.

This life cycle makes the lacewing particularly effective in the garden: larvae eliminate pests, while adults contribute to pollination and ecological balance.


Why Are Lacewings Beneficial?

Lacewings are considered a cornerstone of integrated pest management (IPM). Here’s why gardeners and farmers alike value them:

  • Natural Pest Control: Lacewing larvae consume a wide range of harmful insects. A single larva can eat up to 200 pests a week.
  • Reduction of Chemical Use: Encouraging lacewings reduces the need for synthetic pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil health.
  • Pollinator Support: Adult lacewings feed on nectar and pollen, helping flowers and crops thrive.
  • Sustainable Gardening: They’re a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining plant health.

How to Attract Lacewings to Your Garden

If you want to make your garden more lacewing-friendly, here are some strategies:

  1. Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Adults are drawn to flowers that provide nectar and pollen. Consider planting dill, coriander, cosmos, or sunflowers.
  2. Avoid Broad-Spectrum Pesticides: These chemicals can kill lacewings and other beneficial insects.
  3. Provide Shelter: Lacewings thrive in diverse landscapes that include shrubs, tall grasses, and ground cover.
  4. Buy and Release Lacewings: Many garden centers sell lacewing eggs or larvae. This is a popular method for quickly introducing them into pest-prone areas.

Encouraging these practices not only boosts your lacewing population but also contributes to a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem.


Common Pests Controlled by Lacewings

Lacewings are particularly effective against several common pests:

  • Aphids – A top food source for lacewing larvae.
  • Whiteflies – These tiny pests can damage vegetable and ornamental plants.
  • Thrips – Known for distorting flowers and leaves.
  • Spider Mites – These pests cause speckling and leaf damage.
  • Small Caterpillars – Lacewings sometimes feed on soft-bodied caterpillars.

By keeping these populations in check, the lacewing helps prevent plant damage before infestations get out of hand.


Green lacewing on a grass straw
Green Lacewing On A Grass Straw

Lacewings in Florida Gardens

Florida gardeners, in particular, benefit greatly from lacewings due to the state’s year-round growing season and high pest pressures. Because lacewings thrive in warm climates, they are a natural fit for Florida-friendly gardening practices.

Lacewings are one of the most beneficial insects for gardeners. Lacewings contribute to what’s known as “biological control,” where natural predators regulate pest populations without disrupting the ecosystem. For more research-based insights, you can check the EDIS publication on lacewings.


Fun Facts About Lacewings

  • Lacewing larvae camouflage themselves by attaching debris and remains of prey to their backs.
  • They release a foul odor when threatened, earning the nickname “stinkflies.”
  • The delicate wings of adult lacewings can reflect light in a way that makes them appear to glow faintly green at night.

How to Release Purchased Lacewings Effectively

Many gardeners buy lacewings as a biological control measure. If you go this route, here are a few tips:

  1. Release in the Evening: Lacewings are less likely to fly away when it’s cooler and darker.
  2. Mist the Plants: A light mist of water before release gives them moisture and encourages them to stay.
  3. Spread Them Out: Don’t dump them all in one place—distribute them across the garden for even pest coverage.

By following these steps, your purchased lacewings will adapt more quickly and begin working against pests right away.


Florida Backyard Thriving

The Lacewing and Sustainable Living

The rise of eco-conscious gardening has made beneficial insects like the lacewing more popular than ever. By working with nature rather than against it, homeowners and farmers can:

  • Reduce dependency on chemicals.
  • Improve pollinator health.
  • Foster biodiversity.
  • Support long-term soil and plant vitality.

Lacewings embody the philosophy of “nature knows best,” making them an essential part of any sustainable garden.


Conclusion: The Power of the Lacewing

Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a large-scale grower, the lacewing is an ally worth welcoming into your ecosystem. These tiny insects are fierce defenders against common pests, easy to attract, and essential to natural balance.

By planting pollinator-friendly flowers, avoiding harmful pesticides, and even purchasing lacewings when needed, you can enjoy the benefits of this remarkable insect year-round.

The next time you see a delicate green-winged insect fluttering through your garden, remember: that’s not just another bug—it’s one of the best friends your plants could ask for.

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