Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva / Junk Bug
Scientific Name: Chrysoperla spp. (representative of Family Chrysopidae)
Order & Family: Order: Neuroptera; Family: Chrysopidae
Size: 3 mm to 10 mm
Natural Habitat
Found on trees, shrubs, and garden plants throughout North America and Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they feed on aphids, mites, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae use specialized hairs on their backs to anchor debris, such as lichen, bark, and the husks of their prey, to create a 'trash' camouflage to hide from predators.
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as natural pest control. While harmless to humans, they can occasionally give a small, minor bite if handled, which causes temporary irritation.
Identified on: 3/6/2026