Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva (Junk Bug)
Scientific Name: Family Chrysopidae
Order & Family: Order Neuroptera; Family Chrysopidae
Size: 3 mm to 10 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on various plants, shrubs, and trees in gardens and agricultural settings
Diet & Feeding
Predatory; feeds primarily on aphids, mites, scale insects, and other soft-bodied garden pests
Behavior Patterns
Larvae exhibit a camouflaging behavior by attaching the husks of their prey and other organic debris to their backs using hooked bristles called scutisetae
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial as a biological pest control agent; occasionally they may cause a minor, harmless nip to human skin if handled
Identified on: 2/4/2026