Green Lacewing Larva (Junk Bug or Trash Bug)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, orchards, forests, and agricultural fields; often found on leaves and stems of plants infested with aphids.

Diet & Feeding

Voracious predator of soft-bodied insects like aphids (earning it the name 'Aphid Lion'), mealybugs, scales, and mites.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for its camouflaging behavior; it carries the dried remains of its prey and other organic debris on its back to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as a natural pest control agent. While generally harmless to humans, they can occasionally deliver a sharp but harmless nip if they crawl on skin.

Identified on: 3/25/2026