There Is a Predator Hiding in Empty Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Dustywings (Family Coniopterigydae) are tiny members of the Neuroptera. You know the Neuroptera; this insect group includes lacewings (Family Chrysopidae), aggressive predators of aphids, insect eggs, and other pesky arthropods. The popularity of lacewings is enhanced by the fact that their eggs can be purchased for release in the garden or greenhouse as a biological control agent. Adult and immature dustywings are also excellent predators, but they operate on a smaller scale and attack mites, scale insects, mealybugs, and other small creatures. They will also consume arthropod eggs. Less than 600 species are found worldwide, but many are quite common, although very hard to see.

A closeup of two adult dustywings. Photo: Amy Korman, Penn State

Dustywings get their common name because they are often covered with a waxy dust produced from wax glands. The group is mainly associated with trees and shrubs. Some of them are specialists only found on those plants that support certain prey species. These insects have two or more generations per year. They exhibit complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

In areas with spotted lanternfly infestations, dustywings are using spent lanternfly eggshells as homes for their cocoons in addition to tucking into the bark and under leaves. Look for old egg masses with distinctly white areas covering the egg opening where a lanternfly emerged. If it appears to contain a white material, a dustywing has converted the empty eggshell into a pupation condo. Leave these old egg masses alone and let the dustywings continue to do their job!

(Left) A dustywing pupa is located within the red circle. (Right) A close-up of a dustywing pupa. Photos: Amy Korman, Penn State