Bug Identifier
Brown Lacewing (Larva / Debris-carrying stage)
Community identification

Brown Lacewing (Larva / Debris-carrying stage)

Family Hemerobiidae (various species)

Order & Family
Order Neuroptera; Family Hemerobiidae
Size
3 mm to 10 mm (approximately 0.1 to 0.4 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found on trees, shrubs, and garden plants throughout most of the world.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae of some species are known as 'trash bugs' or 'junk bugs'. They use hooked hairs on their backs to attach organic debris, lichen, and the husks of their prey to themselves as camouflage from predators and to sneak up on prey.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardens. They act as natural pest control, significantly reducing populations of harmful plant parasites.