Aphids

Natural Habitat

Aphids are found worldwide in a wide variety of habitats where plants grow, including gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and houseplants. They are particularly prevalent on new shoots and buds of host plants.

Diet & Feeding

Aphids feed exclusively on plant sap, which they extract using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. They typically target young, tender growth where the sap is more easily accessible.

Behavior Patterns

Aphids reproduce rapidly, often through parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction), leading to large infestations quickly. They tend to cluster on new growth, buds, and the undersides of leaves. Some species are tended by ants, which protect the aphids from predators in exchange for honeydew. They can also secrete alarm pheromones to warn others of danger, leading to rapid dispersal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Aphids are significant plant pests. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, yellowing, and wilting due to sap removal. They excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to sooty mold growth, further hindering photosynthesis. Aphids are also vectors for numerous plant viruses, transmitting diseases from one plant to another. Benefits: In certain ecosystems, aphids can serve as a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverfly larvae, contributing to natural pest control.

Identified on: 8/18/2025