However, their ability to transmit plant viral diseases may be more harmful than any direct feeding damage. Aphids are commonly found on young, developing leaves and stems in clusters or colonies of individuals. Their feeding distorts the new growth and the leaves curl . Most aphids are wingless, but when colonies become overcrowded, winged forms are produced. The most distinguishing feature in the identification of aphids are the two short tubes, or cornicles, which extend from the rear of the body.
Aphids are unlike most insects in two ways.
Almost all aphids are female, reproduce without mating, and seldom lay eggs, instead giving birth to live young. Aphids have the ability to reproduce rapidly and many generations are produced in a year. Each female aphid produces 50 to 100 daughters during her life and each daughter begins reproducing in six to eight days. Whiteflies are common pests on many ornamental plants. Plants most frequently attacked include allamanda, citrus, crepe myrtle, ferns, gardenia, hibiscus, ligustrum, viburnum and many bedding and foliage plants.