The severity of infestations varies from year to year, because populations are affected by environ-mental conditions and the presence of predaceous insects. Crape myrtles were originally imported from Asia, and this aphid species may have been imported with its host. No parasites are known to attack this aphid in Texas, but many lady beetles and other predators commonly eat them. Life cycle . These aphids first appear on new shoots, buds, and foliage in the spring.
Large populations develop over the summer.
Habitat and food sources . Host plants are restricted to oleander, butterfly weed, and milkweed. These aphids do not usually affect plant health, although their high numbers and the accumulation of sooty mold associated with honeydew can be a nuisance and unsightly. Infested, or parasitized, aphids swell, turn brown, and die. The wasp cuts a hole in the back of the aphid's abdomen to emerge.