Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and shrubbery across North America and Europe.

Carnivorous; primarily eats aphids, mites, scale insects, and thrips. They use hollow mandibles to suck out the body fluids of their prey.

Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' or 'junk bugs' because they pile the carcasses of their prey and other debris (like lichen) onto their backs for camouflage and protection from predators like ants. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as they are effective biological pest control agents. While they are harmless to humans, larger larvae may occasionally deliver a minor, non-toxic defensive nip if handled.