Oleander aphid

Clusters on tender shoots, leaf undersides, and flower stalks of milkweed-family plants, especially oleander and butterfly weed. Common in gardens and warm regions worldwide.

Feeds by sucking phloem sap, causing curled leaves, distorted shoots, and sticky honeydew. It commonly supports black sooty mold growth.

Usually bright yellow with black legs and cornicles, forming dense colonies. Reproduces rapidly by live birth without mating during warm periods; winged individuals disperse when plants become crowded or stressed.

Plant damage is usually cosmetic or moderate, though heavy infestations can weaken shoots. It is generally harmless to people and provides food for lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid larvae, and parasitoid wasps.