Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and wooded areas where prey is abundant.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Known for camouflaging themselves by attaching the husks of their prey, plant debris, and lichen to their backs using hooked bristles.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as biological pest control; although they can bite humans if handled, the bite is harmless and generally causes only minor, temporary irritation.

Identified on: 4/20/2026