Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and occasionally residential areas attached to walls or clothing

Diet & Feeding

Aphids, mites, scale insects, insect eggs, and other small soft-bodied insects

Behavior Patterns

Larvae carry a 'trash' or 'junk' shield made of dead prey, lichen, and plant material to camouflage themselves and protect against predators like ants. They are highly active and aggressive hunters.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems as natural pest control. While harmless to humans, they can occasionally give a tiny, non-venomous 'pinch' or bite if they crawl on skin, but this is rare and medically insignificant.

Identified on: 4/4/2026