Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and suburban landscapes across North America and Europe.

Diet & Feeding

Prey includes aphids, mites, scale insects, and other soft-bodied garden pests; they are aggressive carnivores.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' or 'junk bugs' because they pile the carcasses of their prey and plant debris onto their backs to camouflage themselves from predators.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem as biological pest control; though harmless to humans, they may occasionally provide a minor, non-toxic nip if handled.

Identified on: 2/24/2026