Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Found in gardens, forests, and agricultural areas, often on plants or leaves where prey is abundant.

Voracious predators that eat aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and other soft-bodied insects using hollow sickle-shaped mandibles.

Called 'junk bugs' because they stack the carcasses of their prey and other debris on their backs as camouflage to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

Extremely beneficial as biological pest control; they are often called 'aphid lions' for their helpful role in gardens. They may occasionally give a small, harmless nip to human skin if handled, but they are not dangerous.