Junk Bug or Trash Bug (Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Found on foliage of trees, shrubs, and field crops; also commonly found in gardens and on exterior walls of houses where their prey is abundant.

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predators, primarily feeding on aphids (hence the nickname 'aphid lion'), mealybugs, thrips, mites, and insect eggs. They will also eat each other if food is scarce.

Behavior Patterns

The larva attaches debris, such as the husks of its prey, lichen, and general dust, to specialized bristles on its back. This acts as camouflage to hide from predators (like birds) and to sneak up on prey without being detected. They eventually spin a cocoon to pupate into winged adults.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Highly beneficial to gardeners and agriculture as biological pest control due to their appetite for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Risks: Harmless to humans and structures, though larvae may occasionally pinch/bite skin if handled, causing minor, temporary irritation.

Identified on: 3/6/2026