Oleander Aphid

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the stems and leaf undersides of oleander, milkweed, and other dogbane family plants in gardens and wild landscapes.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they pierce plant tissue to suck phloem sap, often focusing on milkweeds and oleanders.

Behavior Patterns

They are predominantly female and reproduce through parthenogenesis (cloning). They often form dense colonies and secrete 'honeydew', a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are garden pests that can stunt plant growth and transmit plant viruses. Benefits: They serve as a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.

Identified on: 3/11/2026