Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva

Found in gardens, meadows, and agricultural fields near colonies of soft-bodied insects like aphids.

Carnivorous; generalist predator that primarily eats aphids, mealybugs, scales, and insect eggs.

Larvae use hook-like bristles on their backs to attach organic debris, sand, or the hollowed-out carcasses of their prey as camouflage to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as they act as a natural pest control (often called aphid lions). They can occasionally give a tiny, non-toxic pinch to humans if handled, but are not medical concerns.