Use of Chrysoperla carnea larvae for biological control of immature stages of Leptinotarsa decemlineata

In laboratory assays, we demonstrated predation of Chrysoperla carnea lacewing larvae against eggs, first and second larval instars of Colorado potato beetle (CPB). When looking at the daily consumption, we found that prey consumption by the third larval instar was 3-fold higher compared to the two first instars. Partial or total consumption of prey was also numbered. Different proportions of partial/total consumption were found and these depend on the lacewing larval stage.
This study provides new perspectives for possible use of C. carnea as a biological agent to control CPB. Nevertheless, additional work has to be conducted under semi-natural and field to completely evaluate this predatory potential.