Junk Bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas worldwide; often found on leaves of plants infested with aphids.

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predators that eat aphids, mites, scale insects, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects.

Behavior Patterns

Called 'junk bugs' because they stack the carcasses of their prey and other debris (like lichen or plant bits) on their backs using hooked bristles. This provides camouflage from predators and helps them sneak up on prey.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as an effective biological pest control. They are harmless to humans, though larger larvae may give a tiny, non-venomous defensive pinch if handled.

Identified on: 12/31/2025