Unknown Larva - ID please

[Nettle Runner]

Found these two larva on the same plant. Whilst similar, one does have a "pair of pincers" whilst the other does not.
One also has an object on its back. I read on a previous post that this can be done to create a false scent (I think)





Can anyone explain what the purpose of the package being carried is, and also any suggestions as to ID.
Les

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Nettle Runner

Found these two larva on the same plant. Whilst similar, one does have a "pair of pincers" whilst the other does not.
One also has an object on its back. I read on a previous post that this can be done to create a false scent (I think)





Can anyone explain what the purpose of the package being carried is, and also any suggestions as to ID.
Les

Lacewing maybe? I think they sometimes collect debris to use as camouflage

[Laurence Clemons]

I would suggest a dipterous larva such as a hoverfly.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Lacewing maybe? I think they sometimes collect debris to use as camouflage

That's true but the jaws are wrong. I think it's a beetle - the larvae of tortoise beetles (Cassida and related species) are spikey and carry frass about on their back - it is supposed to act as a deterrent to predators ....

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

That's true but the jaws are wrong. I think it's a beetle - the larvae of tortoise beetles (Cassida and related species) are spikey and carry frass about on their back - it is supposed to act as a deterrent to predators ....

There's a picture at -
Cassida rubiginosa - for instance

[Nettle Runner]

Thanks Gill, Lawrence and Paul for all your suggestions.

Paul, the images on the Donegal site do have striking resemblences to my pics, certainly the one carrying the 'frass'. So, the twin tail spikes are used to retain the dead skins / droppings, and are not retained by the adult beetle?

I didn't find any adults nearby, so can't get a closer sp. ID

Thanks again
Les

[Paul mabbott]

That's the way it works.
To an extent these are host specific - knowing the plant it's feeding on would be a good clue. Otherwise, of course, they're very easy to rear ...

Originally Posted by Nettle Runner

Thanks Gill, Lawrence and Paul for all your suggestions.

Paul, the images on the Donegal site do have striking resemblences to my pics, certainly the one carrying the 'frass'. So, the twin tail spikes are used to retain the dead skins / droppings, and are not retained by the adult beetle?

I didn't find any adults nearby, so can't get a closer sp. ID

Thanks again
Les

[Paul mabbott]

Another picture showing how the larva holds the frass and stuff on its back. This most probably Cassida viridis