Trashbug on tree, La Planada Nature Reserve, Colombia

Finally, we were all packed up and ready to leave La Planada Nature Reserve. I was waiting for the others near the entrance gate, leaning against a large tree. Next, from the corner of my eye I see part of the tree moving.

It was a trash bug that broke its incredible camouflage. Reason enough to unpack the equipment. Now others were waiting for me :)

Trash bugs are the larvae of lacewings, some of which carry large amounts of debris on their back for cover. The debris can consists of a variety of materials, including body parts of past prey. This is only the second one I've seen in my life, and this individual was even more convincing than the first. There's a full texture and color match of the tree it was on, and I don't think one would ever find it without movement.