Aphid

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and indoor plants; found on the stems and undersides of leaves of various host plants.

Diet & Feeding

Sap-suckers that feed on the phloem of plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts; they can attack roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Behavior Patterns

They often congregate in dense colonies on new growth. Many species have a symbiotic relationship with ants, which protect them in exchange for honeydew. They can reproduce extremely rapidly, often asexually (parthenogenesis) during the summer.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major agricultural and garden pest; feeding causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted flowers. They transmit numerous plant viruses and secrete sticky honeydew which promotes sooty mold growth. Benefits: Essential food source for ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.

Identified on: 2/10/2026