One of the signs of aphid presence is curled, distorted leaves caused by the juices being sucked out. Also, aphids secrete a sticky substance called “honeydew,” which often turns black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Most aphids are wingless, but when colonies get too big or food supplies diminish, winged forms are produced which fly off and establish new colonies.

Ants farm aphids the way we farm cattle, i.e. protecting them from their natural enemies. They may move them from plant to plant so they have a more plentiful food supply and even take them to shelter during storms. Aphids produce “honeydew”, a sugary secretion, which is the favorite food for ants. The presence of aphids actually draws ants to your property!

Give your plants a nice bath periodically using the spray wand from your watering hose. Clean the dust, aphids and other things off your plants. This helps photosynthesis. Aphids, after taking a meal off your plant, do not have the strength to crawl back up and will die on the ground.

Size & Identifying Characteristics:

Vary in size, up to about 1/8”
Various colors, especially green & brown
Suck plant juices of many ornamentals
Cause plant leaves to yellow, curl and/or drop early
Produce honeydew, the favorite food source of ants
Found on underside of leaves and on stems, often in large numbers

1.Antenna- elongated, threadlike
2.Eyes- compound
3.Head- facing forward with stylet mouthparts
4.Legs- 6
5.Wings- only on adults in the spring
6.Thorax- yes
7.Petiole- none
8.Abdomen- pear shaped
9.Color- green, brown, black
10.Other- cornicles on posterior end

Life Cycle

Aphids are unique in their ability to reproduce—the life cycle is extremely complex. Almost all aphids are females and can reproduce without actually mating with a male. In some cases aphids can go several generations (some sources say as many as ten) without mating. The male contribution occurred sometime in the past, and is carried on for many generations. The female will sometimes lay eggs, but can also give birth to live offspring. While several generations may produce only females, an occasional generation of both males and bisexual females will occur. They can even change their bodies to accommodate the egg laying process. In warmer climates, aphids can develop from newborn to adult in less than 2 weeks, and are very prolific pests. When it gets cold the young that are born will have an ovipositor, which allows them to lay eggs for over-wintering. Large populations of aphids can be established in a relatively short period of time. aphid