Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva (often called "Trash Bug" or "Junk Bug")
Scientific Name: Family Chrysopidae (specifically, larvae of the Green Lacewing)
Order & Family: Order Neuroptera, Family Chrysopidae
Size: Typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-12 mm) in length, though the debris pile makes them appear larger and irregular.
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and sometimes indoors on houseplants where aphids are present.
Diet & Feeding
Voracious predators (aphid lions) that feed on aphids, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, whiteflies, and other small soft-bodied insects.
Behavior Patterns
The most notable behavior is collecting the exoskeletons of their prey, along with bits of lichen, dust, and other debris, and carrying it on their backs for camouflage. They act as ambush predators.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: highly beneficial for natural pest control in gardens and agriculture as they consume large numbers of damaging pests. Risks: harmless to humans, although they possess small mandibles and can give a very mild, noticeable pinch if handled.
Identified on: 3/8/2026