Junk Bug (Lacewing Larva)
Scientific Name: Chrysopa spp. or similar genera (e.g., Leucochrysa)
Order & Family: Neuroptera / Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
Size: Typically 1-10 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, forests, and agricultural fields; often seen on leaves, tree bark, or flowers where aphids are present.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predators; they feed voraciously on soft-bodied pests like aphids, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies, and mites.
Behavior Patterns
The 'junk bug' is famous for its camouflage behavior. The larvae carry a debris packet on their backs made of exoskeletons of their prey, lichen, and other organic material to hide from predators and ambush prey.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Highly beneficial for pest control in gardens and agriculture as they consume large numbers of plant-damaging insects. Risks: Harmless to humans, though they can nip if handled, causing minor, brief irritation.
Identified on: 2/18/2026