Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas where aphids are present.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and other small soft-bodied insects.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for 'trash-carrying' behavior where larvae pile the carcasses of their prey and plant debris onto their backs using hooked hairs to camouflage themselves from predators like ants.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as natural pest control. While beneficial, they are known to occasionally give a harmless but surprising nip to humans if they crawl on skin.

Identified on: 3/26/2026