Green Lacewing Larva (often called "Trash Bug", "Junk Bug", or "Debris-carrying Lacewing Larva")
Scientific Name: Chrysopa spp. or Ceraeochrysa spp. (Family Chrysopidae)
Order & Family: Order: Neuroptera; Family: Chrysopidae
Size: Typically 10-15 mm long (excluding debris pile)
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide in gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and occasionally indoors inadvertently; they thrive on plants infested with aphids or other soft-bodied insects.
Diet & Feeding
Voracious predators (aphid lions) that feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, and insect eggs. They use their specialized jaws to suck fluids from prey.
Behavior Patterns
The larva covers its back with camouflaging debris—including the husks of its prey, lichen, dust, or bits of plants—to hide from predators and sneak up on prey. This 'backpack' is held in place by hooked bristles on its back.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Highly beneficial garden insects that act as biological pest control against aphids and mites. Risks: Harmless to humans, though they can deliver a mild, noticeable pinch or bite if handled, which may cause minor irritation.
Identified on: 2/23/2026