Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva (Junk Bug)

Gardens, orchards, forests, and agricultural fields where soft-bodied prey is abundant.

Voracious predator of aphids, mites, scale insects, and insect eggs; they use hollow mandibles to suck out fluids.

Larvae of certain species use curved hairs (trichomes) on their backs to attach organic debris, lickings, and carcasses of their prey to camouflage themselves from predators like ants and birds.

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem as natural pest control. While harmless to humans, they may occasionally provide a minor, non-venomous 'nip' if handled, which can cause slight skin irritation.