Aphids Back to Ants in the Yard and Garden Up to Table of Contents Ahead to Boxelder Bugs Aphids Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck juices from plants. The larger species are about half the size of a sesame seed, although several species are even larger. The smaller species are about the size of a poppy seed. They range in color from light green to nearly black. At certain times of the year, some aphids will develop wings, giving them a different appearance.
Aphids have many generations per year and populations increase rapidly.
You will usually find aphids clustered on leaves, needles, stems, and at the base of blossoms. Damage symptoms caused by aphids include foliage that is distorted, crinkled, rolled, yellowed, swollen, or stunted. Damage caused by aphids is seldom fatal to a plant, but can result in stunted plant growth, preventing flowering or fruit or vegetable production. Most plant groups, including evergreens, deciduous trees, ornamentals, and garden crops, are susceptible to aphids. Each aphid species usually attacks plants of only a particular plant species or plants that are closely related.