Junk Bug (or Aphid Lion)
Scientific Name: Chrysopidae larvae (e.g., Leucochrysa pavida)
Order & Family: Neuroptera; Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings)
Size: Typically 2 to 8 mm (larval stage)
Natural Habitat
Found on foliage of trees, shrubs, weeds, and sometimes accidentally indoors. They are widespread in gardens and agricultural fields.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator. They feed voraciously on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites, mealybugs, thrips, and insect eggs.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae pile debris, including the exoskeletons of their prey, lichen, and lint, onto their backs using hooked bristles. This camouflage protects them from birds and other predators. They are active hunters.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: highly beneficial for pest control in gardens as they consume large numbers of aphids. Risks: harmless to humans, though they have small mandibles and can give a very minor pinch if handled.
Identified on: 3/7/2026