Woolly aphid (likely cotton aphid relative)

Colonies occur on tender stems, leaf undersides, and new growth of garden plants, including tomatoes. They favor sheltered, warm conditions.

They pierce plant tissue and suck phloem sap. Feeding can cause curling, yellowing, stunting, and sticky honeydew accumulation.

Mostly sedentary colonies reproduce rapidly, often asexually, and may be tended by ants for honeydew. Winged adults disperse when plants become crowded or stressed.

They weaken plants and honeydew can promote sooty mold; some species transmit plant viruses. They also provide prey for lady beetles, lacewings, hoverfly larvae, and parasitoid wasps.