Junk bug (Green Lacewing Larva)

Gardens, agricultural fields, and wooded areas worldwide; often found on plants with high aphid populations.

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and other soft-bodied pests.

Larvae are active hunters that often camouflage themselves by piling the husks of their prey and other debris (the 'junk') onto their backs to hide from predators.

Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as biological pest control; they may occasionally bite humans if handled, causing a minor, short-lived nip.