Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Found in gardens, forests, and agricultural areas with high populations of soft-bodied insects like aphids.

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and mites by piercing them and sucking out their fluids.

Larvae are known as 'junk bugs' because they camouflage themselves by attaching debris, lichen, and the dried husks of their prey onto their backs to hide from predators.

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as a natural form of pest control. They pose no risk to humans, though they may occasionally deliver a minor, harmless nip if handled.