Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and anywhere with high aphid populations.

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predators that Primarily feed on aphids, mites, scale insects, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are known for camouflaging themselves by attaching debris, such as dust, plant material, and the sucked-dry carcasses of their prey, to hooked bristles on their backs to hide from predators.

Risks & Benefits

They provide significant benefits to the ecosystem and gardeners as an effective biological pest control. They are harmless to humans, though they may occasionally give a tiny, non-venomous 'nip' if handled.

Identified on: 3/21/2026