Aloe Aphid

Found on various aloe species and occasionally other succulents, typically in gardens, nurseries, or greenhouses.

Plant sap. They use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the fluids within the leaves of aloe plants.

They often aggregate in large colonies, particularly near the base of inner leaves or in the crown of the plant. They reproduce rapidly, often without mating (parthenogenesis), and excrete honeydew which can lead to sooty mold.

They are a significant horticultural pest that can cause leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and the transmission of plant viruses. They provide no benefit to the ecosystem but serve as a food source for ladybugs and lacewings.