Eggplant Integrated Pest Management AN ECOLOGICAL GUIDE

__________________________________________________________________Major Natural Enemies of Eggplant Insect PestsConservationGround beetles are easily killed by (broad-spectrum) insecticides. Avoid using these pesticides whenpossible.Shelter belts can provide refuge for the adult beetles and can help them through a period of harvest andfield preparations for the next crop.6.1.3 Lacewings - ChrysopidaePrimary prey: aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whitefly, eggs of leafhoppers, moths,and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae.Predatory stages: larvae, adults of some species.There are several species of green lacewings (Chrysopa and Chrysoperla sp.). Thecommon green lacewing, Chrysopa carnea, is native to much of North America,several countries in Europe and India. Apertochrysa sp. was also found in India(Tamil Nadu). Another green species is Chrysopa rufilabris, which may be moreuseful in areas where humidity tends to be high. Another species is the brownlacewing, which is brown in color and about half the size of the green lacewing.Adult lacewingBecause in several areas in SE Asia, the common green lacewing C. carnea is the predominant species,this important predator is reviewed in this section.Description and life cycleAdult green lacewings are pale green, about 12-20 mm long, with long antennae and bright, golden eyes.They have large, transparent, pale green wings and a delicate body. Adults are active fliers, particularlyduring the evening and night and have a characteristic, fluttering flight. Adults feed only on nectar, pollen,and aphid honeydew, but their larvae are active predators.Oval shaped eggs are laid singly at the end of long silken stalks and are pale green, turning gray inseveral days. Several hundred small (less than 1 mm) eggs are laid, sometimes in clusters. The larvae,which are very active, are gray or brownish and alligator-like with well-developed legs and large pincerswith which they suck the body fluids from prey. Larvae grow from less than 1 mm to about 6-8 mm,through 3 instars in about 2 – 3 weeks.Life cycle of the common green lacewing, Chrysopa carnea.(from: Hoffmann et al, 1993; www12)Mature third instars spin round, silken cocoons usually in hidden places on plants. Emergence of theadults occurs in 10 to 14 days. The life cycle is strongly influenced by temperature: the higher thetemperature, the quicker. There may be two to several generations per year.Lacewings can be found in a range of crops including cotton, sweet corn, potatoes, cole crops, tomatoes,peppers, eggplants, asparagus, leafy greens, apples, strawberries, and other crops infested by aphids.99Eggplant Ecological Guide