Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)
Scientific Name: Chrysoperla spp.
Order & Family: Neuroptera; Chrysopidae
Size: 3 to 10 mm
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, crops, and various vegetation where prey is available
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds primarily on aphids, mealybugs, and other small soft-bodied insects
Behavior Patterns
Larvae carry debris (junk) and the husks of their dead prey on their backs for camouflage; they are active hunters with sickle-shaped mandibles
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial as biological pest control; may occasionally nip humans if handled, but they are not dangerous
Identified on: 5/14/2026