Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found on a wide variety of plants including garden vegetables, ornamental flowers, and agricultural crops.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant phloem (sap).

Behavior Patterns

Often found in large colonies; they reproduce rapidly, often asexually (parthenogenesis). They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can attract ants.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pests that can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and transmit plant viruses; benefits include being a vital food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Identified on: 5/31/2026