Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, orchards, crops, and various outdoor foliage containing prey insects.

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predator of soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites, scale insects, and thrips.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' because they pile the carcasses of their prey or plant debris onto their backs to camouflage themselves from predators.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardens as a natural biological control for pests. While generally harmless, they can give humans a minor, non-toxic pinch if handled.

Identified on: 3/21/2026