Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva / Junk Bug

Found on gardens, crops, and various plants where aphids are present.

Carnivorous; primarily consumes aphids, mites, scale insects, and other small soft-bodied insects.

The larva uses specialized hairs on its back to anchor debris, such as dust, plant material, and the husks of its prey, to create a camouflage 'junk' pile that hides it from predators.

Highly beneficial to humans as biological pest control for gardens; while they are not medically significant, they have been known to deliver a minor, non-toxic pinch to human skin if handled.