Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas with dense vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they eat aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, insect eggs, and other soft-bodied pests.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae carry debris, such as dust, plant material, and the dried corpses of their prey, on their backs as camouflage. They are highly active hunters with a 'search and strike' movement.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial as biological pest control for gardens. They are harmless to humans, though they may occasionally deliver a minor, non-venomous nip if handled.

Identified on: 2/24/2026