Sushil, S.N., Bhattacharya, A., Jaiswal, A.K., & Kumar, P. 2002 Predatory response of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) against lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr.).. Journal of Applied Zoological Research 13(1): 100-101.

Notes: A number of insect predators and parasitoids are reported to cause severe damage to lac crops. C. carnea is the most widely used beneficial predator in India, and its predatory response against the lac insect, Kerria lacca was studied during July to October 2000, under laboratory conditions and in the field using lac insect colonies on Flemingia macrophylla. The predator, when offered early instar K. lacca nymphs in the laboratory, fed on these insects, but failed to complete its life cycle. In the field, C. carnea did complete development, but the prolonged larval period indicates that lac insects are not the preferred prey. However, caution must be observed in the use of C. carnea in lac-growing areas -- particularly when the lac crop is in its early stage.