In this work, we investigate the use of both green lacewing and Anagyrus Lopezi as biological control agents for cassava mealybugs in a cassava field. The study is carried out by employing a cellular automata model and a Monte Carlo simulation technique. Two strategies for releasing green lacewings and Anagyrus Lopezi are then investigated.

ABSTRACT The biocontrol potential of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) against greenhouse whitefly (GHWF), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), was evaluated in the laboratory at 27 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a 16L:8D photoperiod. All larval stages of C. z. sillemi prey on all nymphal instars of GHWF; however, the third instar proved to be the most effective, consuming 349.50, 351.3, 328.9, and 486.4 first, second, third and fourth instars of GHWF nymphs. The total larval duration on various whitefly instars ranged from 9 to 10 days. The mean number of nymphs consumed per day during the whole larval period ranged from 33.52 to 44.05 nymphs, with the highest consumption by the third instar larva. Among different nymphal instars of T. vaporariorum, the predation on first and second instars was significantly higher, by the first instar predator, and on third and fourth instar whitefly nymphs, respectively, by the third instar predator. The first instar C. z. sillemi larvae demonstrated a preference for first (28.78%) and second instar whitefly nymphs (34.67%), whereas the third instar larvae exhibited a preference for third (88.40%) and fourth instar (89.60%) whitefly nymphs. Further, C. z. sillemi exhibited type-II functional response to whitefly nymphs. The third instar larvae of C. z. sillemi had the highest attack rate (0.168) and maximum predation rate (177.926) compared to younger instars. As a result of our findings, the predator C. z. sillemi can be maintained in the laboratory and has the potential to be developed as an efficient biocontrol agent against T. vaporariorum.

The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a significant economic crop in New Zealand, but has recently suffered substantial damage from western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), resulting in significant financial losses. This study first assessed the predation ability of two commercially available predatory insects, the green lacewing, Mallada basalis (first-instar larvae) and Buchananiella whitei (adults), on western flower thrips nymphs and adults under no-choice conditions in a laboratory setting. Next, the preferences of the two predatory insects for different life stages of the thrips were tested in the same laboratory setting under choice conditions. In no-choice test, both predator species consumed the highest number of first instar thrips nymphs, second highest the second instar thrips nymphs, and the lowest the thrips adults. In choice test, both predator species ate significantly fewer thrips adults than immature life stages; further analysis of Manly index confirmed the lowest preference for thrips adults by both predator species. This study provides the first insight into the potential of these two predatory insect species for biocontrol against western flower thrips. The potential of these two predator species in controlling western flower thrips on strawberries should be further tested in greenhouses or field plots to better understand their roles in integrated pest control systems.

Understanding predator-prey dynamics is crucial for assessing the biological control potential of generalist arthropod predators. The green lacewing (Mallada basalis) is a common natural predator in horticulture but has not yet been evaluated for its effects on greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) across different prey life stages. This study examined the functional responses of first and second instar M. basalis larvae to three life stages of thrips (second instar nymphs, pupae, and adults) under six initial prey densities (1, 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18 prey per cell) within a 24 h interval. The predation rate varied significantly (p < 0.05) overall with the instar of green lacewings and the life stage of thrips. Between the same prey densities, prey handling time of second instar lacewing larvae consistently exceeded (by c. 50%) that of first instar larvae. The quantity of prey that predators consumed appeared to vary with prey size, prey defence capabilities, and prey age. All functional responses were of type II but it shape varied at different prey developmental stages. Lacewing predation on pupal and adult thrips remained at low levels across varying densities, suggesting limited lacewing predation efficiency on these developmental stages. Our results indicate that lacewing larvae, particularly second instars, are effective predators of immature thrips and may contribute to biological control strategies targeting these early developmental stages. The stage-specific predation patterns we identified provide empirical insights for optimising the integration of lacewings into management programmes for greenhouse thrips.

Impact of the photoperiod-responsive circadian clock gene period on reproductive diapause in Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto).

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide, but its production is often threatened by insect pests and pathogenic fungi. The European corn borer (ECB) Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the most damaging pests of maize. Its larvae damage maize ears, causing direct yield losses and creating entry points for fungal pathogens, primarily species from the genera Fusarium and Aspergillus. These fungi are major causes of ear rot and can seriously affect grain quality and the safety of its consumption. Biological control represents an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of biological control of the ECB in reducing Fusarium and Aspergillus infections. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four replications. In addition to the control, the treatments included the application of parasitic wasps of the genus Trichogramma Westwood, 1833 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), as well as larvae of the predatory green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea Stephens, 1836 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and a combination of both biological agents. The results showed a statistically significant effect of treatments on Aspergillus infections. Plants treated with the combination of parasitic wasps and predators had significantly lower infection rates compared to the control and other treatments, suggesting a synergistic effect in suppressing ECB populations and reducing fungal entry points. Conversely, the treatments had no statistically significant effect on Fusarium infections, likely due to the overall low incidence of Fusarium during the experiment. These results highlight the importance of biological control in reducing damage and preserving maize grain quality.

Selection of the predator green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea for resistance to chlorfenapyr: stability, cross resistance, and fitness cost

Illinoia lambersi is a key aphid pest in Rhododendron cultivation in northwestern Europe, where control measures still heavily rely on chemical insecticides. The present laboratory study assessed the predatory potential of the brown lacewing Micromus angulatus on a mix of late instars and adults of I. lambersi across three temperatures (15, 20, and 25 °C) and compared its performance with that of the commonly used green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea sensu lato. Predation rates were measured for third-instar larvae and adults of M. angulatus and for second- and third-instar larvae of C. carnea. Third instars of M. angulatus were highly effective, killing 30-52 aphids per day, with predation significantly increasing at 25 °C. At 15 °C, M. angulatus third instars performed similarly to C. carnea third instars; at 20 °C, C. carnea exhibited higher predation. In all cases, M. angulatus third instars outperformed C. carnea second instars. Female M. angulatus adults maintained steady predation rates (≈30-40 aphids per day) across temperatures, whereas males were less voracious. These findings highlight the potential of M. angulatus as a predator in both its larval and adult stages for integration into IPM programs targeting in particular early-season I. lambersi outbreaks under cool spring conditions. Further field studies are needed to validate laboratory findings and assess the performance of the predator across different Rhododendron cultivars.

The indiscriminate use of high-energy inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and farm mechanization is resulting in a decline in the amount of organic carbon in the soil, a decrease in the population of soil microbes, a loss of biodiversity in the flora and fauna and an accumulation of inorganic chemicals, which are deteriorating soil and crop ecosystems. Due to habitat loss brought on by excessive chemical use, both the variety and number of insects are declining globally. If extensive action is not taken, many of these important creatures, including Earthworms, Green Lacewings, Ladybug Beetles, Trombidium spp., and others will go extinct within the next few decades. Ironically, the uncontrolled application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides as well as over-exploitation by the drug trade are the main threats to these beneficial and valuable creatures. In this study, the importance of beneficial, farmer-friendly, trombididae in biological pest management, medicinal use, enhancing soil fertility and identifying potential change trajectories and forecasting their consequences on beneficial insects provides a scientific framework for making informed decisions regarding sustainable agriculture methods to save them from extinction were suggested.

Venom has independently evolved across many lineages, yet relatively few have been studied in detail, particularly among insects. Of these, Neuroptera (lacewings, antlions, and relatives) remain largely unexplored, despite being widespread with agriculturally important groups such as green lacewings. While adults are nonvenomous, neuropteran larvae are ferocious predators that use pincer-like mouthparts to inject paralyzing and liquefying venom to subdue and consume their prey. Here, we provide a comprehensive investigation of the venom system in Neuroptera by integrating a high-quality genome, long-read transcriptomes spanning all life stages, microCT-reconstruction of venom glands, tissue-specific expression analyses, venom proteomics, and functional assays of the common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea. We provide a re-description of the neuropteran venom system, demonstrate the venom's insecticidal and cytotoxic activity, and show that the venom comprises diverse toxin gene families and is richer and more similar to the venom of antlions than previously proposed. We show that this toxin arsenal is the result of a multitude of evolutionary events that include co-option, recruitment following gene duplication, diversification of toxin-paralogs by gene duplication, and functional innovation of new paralogs through both small structural and large architectural changes. In addition, we find that alternative splicing of toxin genes is an important contributor to the biochemical arsenal, which is a mechanism rarely documented among venomous animals. Our results demonstrate how multiple genomic and evolutionary mechanisms together contribute to the emergence and evolution of a complex molecular trait, and provide new insights into the evolution of venom in insects.

Egg-laying preference of green lacewing, Chrysoperla sp. on different types of coloured paper

New green lacewing species Plesiochrysa bonbona sp. nov., Suarius fangwengi sp. nov., new Chinese record of Chrysopa viridana Schneider, 1845 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae: Chrysopinae) from the Tuha Basin, Xinjiang, northwest China, are described based on the morphological characters of adults. In addition, three further green lacewing species (Chrysopa phyllochroma Wesmael, 1841, Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto, 1914) and Suarius trilineatus Yang, 1991) are newly recorded from the Tuha Basin, increasing its known fauna from one to seven species across four genera. Keys to the Plesiochrysa and Suarius species in China and records of green lacewing species in the Tuha Basin are also provided. The standard DNA barcoding region of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of these species was sequenced for the verification of the new species.

A roving survey was undertaken during 2024–25 in major ginger growing areas of Shivamogga district, viz., Beeranakere and Ayanuru (Shivamogga taluk), Taralaghatta and Saluru (Shikaripura taluk), Baluru and Arasalu (Hosanagara taluk), Kolgunisi and Anavatti (Soraba taluk), and Iruvakki and Hosakoppa (Sagara taluk), to record the occurrence of insect pests and their natural enemies in the ginger ecosystem. The results revealed that the shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis, was the predominant and most destructive pest with incidence ranging from 3.19 to 5.70 per cent, highest in Taralaghatta village. Other pests recorded included leaf roller (Udaspes sp.), thrips (Panchaetothrips sp.), rhizome fly (Mimegralla coeruleifrons), leaf beetles (Altica cyanea, Monolepta signata), weevils (Myllocerus sp.), and leaf eating caterpillars (Spilarctia obliqua, Spodoptera litura), with varied levels of infestation across locations and varieties. Among the ginger varieties, Rio-de-Janeiro was more susceptible to shoot borer and leaf roller, while Himachal showed higher incidence of thrips, rhizome fly, leaf beetles, weevils, and leaf eating caterpillars. Natural enemies recorded during the survey included coccinellids (Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coccinella transversalis, Anegleis cardoni), spiders (Araneus sp., Neoscona sp., Pardosa sp.), and green lacewings (Chrysoperla sp.). Coccinellids were most abundant in Taralaghatta, while spiders were highest in Taralaghatta and Saluru, and green lacewings in Iruvakki. The survey thus highlighted the prevalence of C. punctiferalis as the major pest of ginger in Shivamogga, along with a complex of secondary pests and their associated natural enemies.

Do Changes in Photoperiodic Induction of Diapause in a Green Lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Coincide with Changing Regional Temperatures?

Photoperiod is a critical environmental factor for insect development and physiology, yet little is known about the effects of photoperiodic signals received during photoperiod-sensitive stages on reproductive parameters. The green lacewing, Chrysoperla nipponensis, is a promising candidate for mass rearing in biological control. Photoperiod is the primary environmental factor influencing C. nipponensis reproductive diapause. This study investigates how photoperiodic cues during photoperiod-sensitive stages affect key reproductive parameters such as fecundity, lifespan, oviposition duration, oviposition rate, diapause rate, pre-oviposition period, and lipid content of C. nipponensis. The results showed that short-day conditions (Light:Dark = 9h:15h; L9:D15) during pre-adult stages increase total lipid and triglyceride levels in both third larvae and newly emerged females, thereby enhancing fecundity of female, without reducing lifespan or oviposition. Furthermore, long-day conditions (Light:Dark = 15h:9h; L15:D9) during the pre-adult stage inhibited diapause, while increasing fecundity and extending oviposition duration. Our findings demonstrate that photoperiodic signals during the pre-adult stages significantly affect the reproductive parameters of C. nipponensis, which advances the understanding of photoperiod-dependent reproductive diapause and offers novel insights for optimizing strategies in mass-rearing of natural enemies.

This study was conducted at College of Sciences-Mustansiriyah University, aimed to examine the functional response of predator green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stefens) (Neuroptera: chrysopidae) The predator is one of the important natural enemies of members of the family Gelechiidae eggs. Result obtained showed that the curves of functional response of the predator green lacewing, C. carnea larvae on various densities of tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) eggs showed that the larvae of predator belong to second type (Cyrtoid) of functional response. The rate of attack coefficient (a) increased, whereas the handling time (Th) was reduced, and the highest attack coefficient was 2.558 for the 2nd larval stage and the lowest attack coefficient was 1.509 for the 3rd larval stage. However, the highest handling time was 23.274 minutes for 2nd larval stage and the lowest handling time was 10.651 minutes for 1st larval stage. Keywords: Handling time, attack coefficient, Chrysoperla carnea, Tuta absoluta, functional response.

Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) is a beneficial insect that is widely used in integrated pest management due to its voracious predation against different pest species such as aphids, mites, coccids and mealy bugs. Biorational insecticides are generally regarded as less toxic to the environment and have high target specificity. Two different biorational insecticides (lethal and sub-lethal doses) were applied i.e., T1: Afidopyropen (2 ml / 500 ml water), T2: Afidopyropen (0.5 ml / 500 ml water), T3: Spinetoram (0.024 g / 500 ml water), T4: Spinetoram (0.012 g­­ / 500 ml water) and T5: Control (500 ml water) in the Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. The maximum average survival of 1st instar was showed 1.0 ± 0.0 on 1 Day After Spray at sub-lethal dose (T2), while its minimum survival was noted on 5 DAS (0.4 ± 0.2) at lethal doses (T1 and T3), respectively. Similarly, the highest average survival of 2nd and 3rd instars was observed 1.0 ± 0.0 and 0.8 ± 0.2 against sub-lethal doses (T2: and T4), at different intervals as well as the lowest survival was indicated 0.4 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.2 at 7 and 9 DAS against T1 and T3, respectively. In T5 (control), the maximum average survival was recorded 1.0 ± 0.0 at initial intervals as compared to last intervals. The data furthermore revealed that the minimum mortality rate of 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars was observed 20-40% on 3, 5, 7 and 9 DAS on sub-lethal doses (T2 and T4), while the maximum mortality was seen 60% on 5, 7 and 9 DAS on lethal doses (T1 and T3), respectively. In T5 (control), there were showed 20% mortality during 5, 7 and 9 DAS in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars, respectively. Furthermore, the surviving 3rd larval instars were transformed into pupation, however, the maximum pupal survival and adult emergence was observed 60-80% at sub-lethal doses of both insecticides, whereas its minimum range was seen 20-60% at lethal doses, respectively. In T5: control, 80% pupal survival was observed, while 100% adult emergence was shown during the experiment, respectively. It is concluded that lowest mortality of 1st, 2nd and 3rd instars was found at sub-lethal doses as compared to lethal doses, respectively.

Abstract Western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of corn and dry beans in its historic and expanded ranges in the North American western Great Plains and Great Lakes Region, respectively. In corn, S. albicosta ear feeding damage can significantly reduce yield and introduce avenues for secondary fungal infections. Management practices currently rely on transgenic crops expressing effective Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein, of which only the VIP3A protein is effective against S. albicosta, and/or labor‐intensive scouting and chemical control. However, limited research on biological control options for this critical pest has been conducted. This study identifies key trophic interactions between S. albicosta and predatory arthropods in corn fields. Field surveys identified a community of 21 predator taxa present in Nebraska corn fields where S. albicosta eggs and larvae were present. The most common taxa were as follows: Hippodamia convergens (Guérin‐Méneville; Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer; Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Orius insidiosus (Say; Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Additionally, molecular gut‐content analysis via PCR confirmed the predation of S. albicosta by several well‐known biological control agents, including H. convergens, O. insidiosus, C. maculata, and Chrysopidae larvae and adults. Coleomegilla maculata consumed more S. albicosta eggs and larvae than H. convergens in feeding trials, although egg consumption by C. maculata was unaffected by the presence of corn pollen, an important supplemental food for this species. Exploring the trophic interactions between S. albicosta and its predators will provide information necessary to improve conservation biological control for S. albicosta integrated pest management.

The present research aimed to study the efficiency of the indigenous generalist predator, Chrysoperla carnea, for the management of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, infesting cucumber, Cucumis sativus plants in greenhouses. The most effective predator stage was determined by placing egg cards and releasing different larval instars (1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, and 3<sup>rd</sup>) with a release ratio of 1:20 for T. urticae management. The population reduction percentage of T. urticae was 5%, 41%, and 47% after four, eight, and 12 days of 1<sup>st</sup> larval instar release as compared to egg cards. Among the three larval instars, the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> instars significantly reduced the T. urticae population after eight days, with 75% and 79% population reduction percentages, respectively. Furthermore, less visual damage and webbing density per plant of T. urticae were observed where 2<sup>nd</sup> instar larvae were released. The 2<sup>nd</sup> instar larva was further evaluated with three predator-prey release ratios to manage T. urticae population on C. sativus plants in the greenhouse. The T. urticae population reduction percentages were 66%, 61%, and 24% at the release ratio of 1:30, 1:60, and 1:90, respectively, after 12 days of predator release. Moreover, less visual damage and localized webbing on leaf per plant was observed for the release ratio of 1:30. The outcomes of the present study showed that the 2<sup>nd</sup> instar larvae of the indigenous predator, C. carnea, could potentially manage the T. urticae infestation on greenhouse crops.

Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) is a generalist and voracious predator that consumes wide range of insect pests such as aphids, mites, coccids and mealy bugs in the biological control of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The experiment was carried out to observe the effect of different concentrations 25, 50 and 75 ppm of Lambda-cyhalothrin on 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars of Chrysoperla carnea in 2019. The minimum mortality of 1st larval instar was seen 25 % after 48 hrs by 25 ppm while the maximum 100 % mortality was brought by 75 ppm. The effect of these concentrations on 2nd larval instar revealed that the minimum death 25 % was seen after 24 hrs. at 25 ppm and the maximum mortality 100 % brought by 75 ppm during 1st week. The effect against 3rd larval instar at the highest dose (75 ppm), the absolute mortality was observed after 72 hrs. In control, up to 25 % mortaliy was recorded after 72 hrs. in all larval stages, respectively. The dose (10 ppm) was less toxic against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval stages of C. carnea. It shows the values of LC50 2.18, 1.90 and 1.44 ppm C. carnea−1 with its fiducial limit ranges. Similarly, at the highest dose (75 ppm), the value of LC50 was 1.91, 1.66 and 1.16 C. carnea−1 with its fiducial limit ranges against 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars, respectively. The values of LC50 were showed 1.83, 1.44 and 1.39 ppm C. carnea−1 with its fiducial limit ranges at the moderate dose (50 ppm) against different larval stages. In control (0 ppm), the LC50 was 2.63 ppm C. carnea−1 with its fiducial limit ranges in all larval instars. There were seen significant mortality against 1st, 2nd and 3rd larval instars of green lacewing (P < 0.005) between the treatments and intervals, respectively.