Junk bug (also known as a Trash Bug or Aphid Lion)
Scientific Name: Chrysopidae (specifically the larvae of the Green Lacewing)
Order & Family: Neuroptera / Chrysopidae
Size: Typically about 4mm to 10mm in length
Natural Habitat
Gardens, agricultural fields, and forests—anywhere aphids are plentiful. They are often found on plant leaves or stems.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous predator; feeds voraciously on aphids, mites, mealybugs, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae pile debris (dead insect carcasses, lichen, moss, and other bits of trash) onto hooked hairs on their backs to create a camouflage shield. This protects them from predators like birds and ants.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to humans and ecosystems as a form of natural pest control. They are harmless to humans, though they can give a mild pinch if handled.
Identified on: 3/7/2026