
Community identification
Inland Floods Lacewing (Larva)
Mallada sp.
- Order & Family
- Neuroptera, Chrysopidae
- Size
- 3 to 10 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Typically found on plants, shrubs, and trees in gardens, crops, and bushland environments.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and mites.
Behavior Patterns
The larva is known as a 'trash carrier' or 'junk bug.' It camouflages itself by attaching the sucked-out carcasses of its prey and other debris to hooked bristles on its back to hide from predators.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardens as a natural pest control agent. While they can occasionally bite human skin if handled, the bite is minor and not medically significant.