Black Bean Aphid

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, and greenhouses; typically found on the stems and undersides of leaves of a wide variety of plants.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the nutrient-rich sap (phloem) of host plants.

Behavior Patterns

They often form dense colonies on succulent new growth. They reproduce rapidly, often via parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction). They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant agricultural and garden pests that can cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing. They can also transmit plant viruses. They benefit the ecosystem by serving as a primary food source for many beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Identified on: 3/8/2026