Junk bug (Green lacewing larva)

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

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

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.

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