Aphids

Natural Habitat

Aphids are found on a wide variety of plants, including ornamental plants, agricultural crops, garden plants, and trees. They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves, stems, and new shoots.

Diet & Feeding

Aphids feed by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the phloem vessels of plants to extract sap. They prefer new, tender growth.

Behavior Patterns

Aphids reproduce rapidly, often through parthenogenesis (without mating), leading to large infestations. They excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth on leaves. Some species can act as vectors for plant viruses. They are typically slow-moving or sessile.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Aphids can cause direct damage to plants by stunting growth, distorting leaves, and weakening the plant due to sap feeding. The honeydew they excrete leads to sooty mold, which reduces photosynthesis and aesthetic value. They can also transmit plant viruses. Benefits: They serve as a food source for many beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverfly larvae, which helps in biological pest control.

Identified on: 7/1/2025