Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva (Junk Bug)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, orchards, crops, and low-lying vegetation

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; feeds on aphids, mites, thrips, and scale insects

Behavior Patterns

Larvae pile dead prey carcasses and organic debris on their backs for camouflage; they are active hunters with sickle-shaped mandibles

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to ecosystem as natural pest control; rarely, they may give humans a harmless, minor defensive nip if handled

Identified on: 2/24/2026