Garbage Bug (Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva)

Found on various plants, shrubs, and trees in gardens, forests, and agricultural areas.

Aphids, mites, scale insects, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects.

The larvae are predatory and use specialized hairs on their backs to attach husks of prey, plant matter, and sand as camouflage. This protects them from predators like birds and ants.

Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as biological pest control; they pose no risk to humans, though they may occasionally give a harmless nip if handled.