The aphid is a soft bodied insect with all stages ranging in color from light yellow to dark green or almost black. The aphid is a very slow moving insect that secretes honeydew causing the leaves to be sticky or shiny. The aphid reproduces very rapidly during favorable conditions.
Large populations build up in a short period of time.
A new generation can occur every five days during the summer. The cotton aphid has many natural enemies such as syrphid fly larvae, parasites, and others. Natural enemies and weather conditions help control aphids during the growing season. Damage Aphids damage cotton by sucking juices from the plant and by secreting honeydew. High populations in young cotton cause the leaves to curl or crinkle.