What Do Aphids Look Like ?
Aphids are one of the most destructive pests, which live by sucking life out of flowers, vegetables and/or houseplants. They can invade and live on plants for a long time and if you do not eliminate them, they will end up destroying all the plants in your garden or field.
Aphids, which are usually known as greenfly, black fly, or plant lice, are known to have existed for over 200 million years, since the Triassic era. There are more than 4,000 species existing today, but only 250 are dangerous for crops and garden plants. The most affected plants are roses, which are usually grown in abundance in any garden.
Aphids are usually green in color, but a few are brown or red in color. These small structured creatures suck sap from plants which are high in nutrients; and while feeding, they secrete a sugary liquid called honey dew. The aphids suck this sap mainly for its nitrogen content, which it uses to produce proteins. Some aphids also make use of plant tissue to make galls for protection. Galls are actually outgrowths.
The main part of damage is done to roses, but aphids also destroy fruits, vegetables. Most of the plants are damaged, but at the same time aphids can kill plants too with their persistent and not stop feeding.
There are also some advantages with aphids. Beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings are attracted by aphids. Ants are also attracted by the honey dew secreted by aphids, and they are responsible for adding nutrients to the soil.
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