Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas on plants with high aphid populations.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory; primarily eats aphids, but also consumes mites, thrips, and small caterpillars.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae carry camouflage on their backs made of organic debris and the husks of their prey. They are active hunters with sickle-shaped mandibles used to suck out prey fluids.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as biological pest control; can occasionally give a harmless but sharp defensive nip to human skin if handled.

Identified on: 6/6/2026