Why are Cosmos Bipinnatus & Green Lacewings beneficial to your garden?
- Few flowers grow as easily and bloom as profusely as cosmos. Those blooms can be put to practical use in the vegetable garden, as they attract many helpful insects. For instance, if you want to draw in green lacewings, choose a white or bright orange variety, such as ‘Cosmic Orange’.
What are Green Lacewings?
- Green lacewings are insect predators that measure ½ to ¾ of an inch (1-2 cm.) long and bear very distinctive, delicate-looking wings that give them their names. These green insects have long antennae and gold or copper eyes. Many different species of green lacewings exist, but they closely resemble one another. Their larvae are flattened, with an alligator-like appearance and reach up to ½ inch (1 cm.) in length.
- WHY are they beneficial?
- Green lacewings are voracious eaters, vacuuming up all sorts of soft-bodied insects, including aphids, scale, and thrips. Thus, they are considered a beneficial insect, and making them at home in your vegetable garden will help to prevent pest problems.