Aphids (specifically, it appears to be related to Crape Myrtle Aphid based on the host plant, though a definitive species ID isn't possible from the image alone)
Scientific Name: Various species within the Aphididae family, e.g., Tinocallis kahawaluokalani for Crape Myrtle Aphids.
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
Size: Typically small, ranging from 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.12 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found on a wide variety of plants, including ornamental shrubs, trees, vegetables, and field crops. They prefer tender new growth and the undersides of leaves.
Diet & Feeding
Plant sap (phloem sap). They are herbivorous and specialize in feeding on the sugary fluids within a plant's vascular system.
Behavior Patterns
Aphids reproduce rapidly, often through asexual reproduction (parthenogenesis), where females produce live young without mating. This allows populations to grow quickly. They feed by inserting their stylets into plant tissue to suck out sap. They excrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold on plants. Ants often 'farm' aphids for their honeydew, protecting them from predators.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Aphids can cause direct damage to plants by sucking sap, leading to stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced plant vigor. Their honeydew excretion can foster the growth of black sooty mold, which impairs photosynthesis and makes plants look unsightly. Some aphid species can also transmit plant viruses. Potential Benefits: Aphids are a significant food source for many beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, which are natural predators.
Identified on: 7/1/2025