Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, forests, and agricultural fields globally where prey is present

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predators that eat aphids, mites, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects using hollow mandibles to suck out fluids

Behavior Patterns

Many species exhibit 'trash-carrying' behavior, where they use hooked bristles on their backs to pile debris, shed skins, and carcasses of their prey to camouflage themselves from predators like ants and birds

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem as natural pest control. They are harmless to humans, though they may occasionally deliver a minor, non-venomous pinch with their mandibles if handled

Identified on: 1/11/2026