Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)
Scientific Name: Chrysoperla carnea (or similar Chrysopidae species)
Order & Family: Order: Neuroptera, Family: Chrysopidae
Size: Typically 6 to 10 mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch) in length, excluding the added 'junk' pile.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and grassy areas; often found on plants with aphid infestations.
Diet & Feeding
Voracious predators feeding on aphids, mites, thrips, whiteflies, small caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larva actively collects debris—including the hollowed-out exoskeletons of its prey, lichen, and fuzz—and piles it onto bristles on its back as camouflage to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to humans and agriculture. They are prized biological pest control agents because they consume vast quantities of garden pests like aphids. They are harmless to humans, though they may give a pinch-like bite if mishandled.
Identified on: 2/18/2026