Winged Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found globally on various plant species, particularly on the undersides of leaves and on soft new growth in gardens and greenhouses.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem) from host plant tissues.

Behavior Patterns

Aphids generally reproduce asexually for most of the year. Winged forms (alates) develop when a colony becomes overcrowded or the host plant's quality declines, allowing them to fly and colonize new plants.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major agricultural pests that can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and transmit plant viruses. They excrete honeydew which promotes sooty mold. Benefits: Serve as a primary food source for many beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Identified on: 6/5/2026