Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Natural Habitat

Found globally in gardens, forests, agricultural fields, and often on human structures like walls or windows.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they primarily eat aphids, mites, thrips, and other small soft-bodied insects using hollow mandibles to suck out fluids.

Behavior Patterns

Called 'junk bugs' because they use adhesive silk and curved hairs to pile debris and the sucked-dry carcasses of their prey onto their backs for camouflage.

Risks & Benefits

They are highly beneficial to gardens as natural pest control. While harmless to humans, they can occasionally deliver a minor, non-venomous defensive nip if handled.

Identified on: 2/16/2026