Junk bug or Trash bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas, typically on leaves or stems of plants where aphids are present.

Carnivorous; they primarily eat aphids, but also consume mealybugs, thrips, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.

These larvae exhibit camouflaging behavior by collecting debris, including empty exoskeletons of their prey, lichen, and dirt, onto bristles on their back. This 'trash' pile hides them from predators.

Highly beneficial to gardens and ecosystems as voracious predators of pests like aphids. They are harmless to humans, although they can give a very mild, noticeable nip if handled.