Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Found on a variety of plants, trees, and shrubs in gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas.

Highly predatory; feeds on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and mites.

Called 'junk bugs' because larvae carry debris, such as dust, plant matter, and the drained carcasses of their prey, on their backs for camouflage and protection from predators like ants.

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as biological pest control; they are harmless to humans but may occasionally nip skin if handled, causing minor irritation.