This tiny insect feeds by inserting slender mouthparts into leaves and sucking out sap that is rich in sugars. As they feed, aphids also inject saliva. This saliva causes pale yellow spots on the leaves. Overall plant vigor may suffer. They are pale yellowish green with black spots on the abdomen.
Winged adults have dark tipped antennae and two double-pronged humps on the back.
Young crape myrtle aphids resemble wingless adults although they are smaller. Biology Crape myrtle aphids were first discovered in Hawaii, though they are now known wherever crape myrtles are grown. These aphids excrete a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew. When aphid numbers are large, honeydew often completely coats leaves and other objects below, giving infested plants a sticky or varnished appearance. Honeydew attracts ants, flies wasps and other insects.