How to release ChrysoLiv (Green lacewing larvae)

What’s in the ChrysoLiv bottle?
  1. Predator: Lacewing larvae 
  2. Carrier: Vermiculite and millet hulls 
  3. Food: Bugfeed– sterilized ephestia eggs

ChrysoLiv - green lacewing larvae mixed in buckwheat hulls

How to release Lacewing larvae?
  • For best results, application should be during mild temperatures (early morning or late afternoon).
  • Gently rotate bottle, in a horizontal position, to evenly mix the predators.
  • Gently shake the bottle while rotating to release the contents. You can sprinkle the material directly on top of the plant canopy or on dry rockwool slabs.
  • Avoid top watering or shaking the plant after releasing. 
  • Avoid pesticides (organic or synthetic) before and after release.
Can you store lacewing larvae?

Releasing the predators immediately upon arrival is recommended. 

If storage is necessary lacewing can be stored for 1 day in a cool (8-10C) dark environment. Lay the bottle horizontally and avoid any contact with direct sunlight. Storing can lead to deterioration of the product. These predators can become highly cannibalistic in later larval instars. Do not store past 1 day.

How to check the quality of the predators?

During shipment lacewing larvae tend to huddle in the middle of the bottle. If at first you don’t see any movement, allow the shipment to come to room temperature before conducting a quality check.

To check, gently rotate the bottle to evenly mix the predators. Pour a small sample on a white piece of paper and you’ll see lacewing crawling from the pile. You may need a 10x lens to see the larvae when it is in its 1st instar.

How to promote establishment?

Lacewing works best in warm and humid environments, temperatures of 20°C -31°C and a relative humidity of over 70% work well to promote establishment.

In order for lacewing larvae to pupate it has to be well-fed. Add bugfeed to help larvae establish if there aren’t enough pests on the crop. 

Once the green lacewing turns into an adult it only feeds on honeydew. Supplemental nectar can be added to crops to help lacewing adults establish and lay eggs. Some plants (grapes, peaches, etc) naturally secrete their own nectar which can help lacewing adults establish.

Establishment is rare in indoor house plants due to environmental factors.

How to spot lacewing larvae after releasing?

The best time to scout green lacewing larva is during the evening or when there is an overcast. They are usually well-hidden during the day and tend to come out in the evening when its cooler and darker. Monitoring population of pests can also be a good indicator of how well lacewing is working in the plants.