ScientificName: Order Homoptera, family Aphididae, many species

Description: Small (1/8 inch), soft, usually green bodies with long legs

Habitat/Food: Aphids attack most ornamentals and fruits. They feed by inserting their beaks into stems, leaves, or roots, and sucking the plant juices, particularly on the underside of leaves and around new growth.

Life Cycle: Aphids are mostly female and give birth to live young. Incomplete metamorphosis

Organic Control: Use biological sprays that contain pyrethrins, citrus, or other plant oil based products. Seaweed can be used for lighter infestations

Interesting Fact: Most aphids secrete a sweet substance called honeydew in large amounts all over their host plant. Ants are attracted to the plant for food, which keep the aphids safe from their enemy, the ladybug.