Lacewing Larva (Junk Bug or Trash Bug)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, wooded areas, and shrubs where aphid populations are high.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator; primarily feeds on aphids, scale insects, thrips, mites, and small caterpillars.

Behavior Patterns

Called 'trash bugs' because they camouflage themselves by carrying the husks of their dead prey and other debris on their backs to hide from predators. They are highly active hunters with large, sickle-shaped mandibles.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as a natural pest control. Occasionally, they may give a harmless nipping bite to humans if handled, but they are not venomous or dangerous.

Identified on: 7/1/2026