What Do Lacewings Eat?

Lacewings, both adults and larvae, are predatory insects that primarily consume pests that are harmful to plants.

• Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that are common pests in gardening. Lacewings consume large quantities of aphids.
• Mites: Tiny arachnids that can be harmful to plants. Lacewings prey on various species of mites.
• Whiteflies: Small, winged insects that can cause damage to plants. Lacewings help control whitefly populations.
• Mealybugs: Pests that suck the juices from plants and weaken them. Lacewings include mealybugs in their diet.
• Caterpillars: The larval stage of butterflies and moths. Lacewings occasionally eat small caterpillars.
• Thrips: Tiny insects that feed on plants and can transmit disease. Lacewings consume thrips as part of their diet.

How do Lacewings Eat?

Lacewings are insect predators that primarily consume pests such as aphids and mites. They eat by using their strong mandibles to grasp their prey and then inject it with digestive enzymes that liquefy the insides of the victim. The lacewing then sucks up the liquefied meal.

• Lacewings find their prey through sight or smell.
• They use their mandibles to hold onto their prey.
• They inject digestive enzymes to break down the prey from the inside.
• They consume the liquefied insides of their prey.

What do Lacewings Drink?

Lacewings are insects that primarily feed on pests like aphids and mites. However, they do consume liquids for hydration and nutrition.

• Dew: Condensed water droplets found on plants.
• Nectar: Sweet liquid produced by plants, provides energy.
• Honeydew: Sugary liquid excreted by aphids, a primary food source.
• Water: Basic hydration source.

FAQs about Lacewings

1. How often do Lacewings eat?

Lacewings typically eat every day, consuming a diet primarily of aphids, mites, and other small insects.

2. How long can a Lacewings live without eating?

Adult Lacewings can live without eating for about a week, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions.

3. What do Larvae Lacewings eat?

Larvae Lacewings, often referred to as "aphid lions," eat a diet mainly consisting of aphids, but they also consume other soft-bodied insects and insect eggs.