COMMON NAME

Brown Lacewing

Order

Suborder

Family

Genus

Species

Alias

Neuroptera

Hemerobiidae

Micromus tasmaniae

Tasmanian lacewing

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Description

The adult is very similar to the green lacewing but brown and about half the size. The larvae of this lacewing are longer and thinner than the green lacewing larvae and do not camouflage themselves. They are a cream colour with light brown stripes, or may be brown with cream-coloured spots along their sides. They have a small head and the body tapers into a long tail. They have large jaws, making them look like ferocious, miniature crocodiles.

Adult size: 6-10 mm

Out and about

They can be seen mainly during the warm seasons of spring and autumn although they can tolerate lower temperatures. There are many species of brown lacewings worldwide. This Australian native species is also found in New Zealand, It occurs mainly in the southern areas of Australia in the temperate regions although they can be found further north.

Reproduction and Life cycle

The cream-coloured eggs are not laid on stalks like those of other lacewings but singly underneath leaves, and sometimes on spider webs or other fibrous materials. .The larvae go through a number of instars before pupating in an oval-shaped cocoon which may be found attached to leaves or even spider webs. In favourable warm conditions it will take three weeks from egg to adult, with an average of six generations in the year.. In spite of the family name suggesting they have a very short life span, adults can live up to several months.

To deter

To control

Plants to repel

Plants to attract

Alyssum / Angelica / Caraway / Carrot / Coriander / Daisy family (Coreopsis) / Dill / Fennel / Heather / Oleander / Queen Anne’s lace / Red and white cosmos (Bipinnatus) / Tansy / Yellow yarrow

Predators

Why they are Beneficial

Adults and larvae are both predators, feeding on a variety of insects as well as caterpillar eggs and mites. They inject venom into their prey and suck up the body fluids. They are bred for biological pest control.

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