Only females are found on cotton, and they may be winged or wingless.
Color varies from pale yellow to dark green, with dark leg joints and black cornicles and eyes.
Fifty-seven generations may be produced in a year. Aphids overwinter on green plants. They feed on the underside of leaves and cause a downward curl to the leaves. Honeydew, produced by feeding aphids, can fall on open cotton and thus reduce its grade. A sooty mold often develops later on the honeydew.