Garbage Bug (Lacewing Larva)

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas where aphids are present.

Predatory; feeds primarily on aphids, mites, scale insects, and insect eggs using hollow mandibles to suck out fluids.

The larva carries a 'trash' packet on its back made of silk, prey remains, and plant debris as camouflage against predators like ants and birds. They are active hunters during the larval stage.

Highly beneficial to humans as biological pest control; they eat large quantities of garden pests. They may cause a minor, harmless nip to human skin if they crawl on a person, but they are not dangerous.