Green Lacewing Larva

Natural Habitat

Found globally in gardens, agricultural fields, and landscapes with high aphid populations.

Diet & Feeding

Generalist predators that consume aphids, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and small caterpillars.

Behavior Patterns

Often known as 'trash bugs' or 'debris carriers' because they camouflage themselves with the husks of their prey and other garden debris; they use large, sickle-shaped mandibles to inject enzymes into prey.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem as biological pest control; they pose no risk to humans, though they may occasionally deliver a minor, non-toxic pinch if handled.

Identified on: 6/24/2026