Lacewing Larva (commonly called 'Junk Bug' or 'Aphid Lion')
Scientific Name: Chrysopidae (Family)
Order & Family: Neuroptera; Family: Chrysopidae
Size: Typically several millimeters long (roughly 5mm to 10mm or 1/4 to 1/2 inch).
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and grassy areas worldwide, often on leaves and stems of plants where aphids are present.
Diet & Feeding
Voracious predators that feed on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, but also mites, mealybugs, thrips, insect eggs, and small caterpillars.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae carry a dense pile of debris (dead insect husks, lichens, moss, and other particles) on their backs as camouflage to hide from predators and to sneak up on prey without detection. They have large, hollow, sickle-shaped jaws used to seize and drain fluids from prey.
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial to humans and ecosystems as highly effective biological pest control agents in gardens. They pose minimal risk to humans, though they can occasionally give a mild, noticeable bite if handled, which may cause slight irritation but is not dangerous.
Identified on: 2/24/2026