Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Aphid
Aphididae
· Also called plant lice, greenfly
People search “aphid” because it looks like something that bites. Aphid (Aphididae) does not bite or sting people. Also called plant lice, greenfly.
Green specks on the rose are aphids, not the cause of ankle bites.
What does a aphid look like?
Aphid is Tiny, 1–3 mm. Colors: green, black, yellow. Marks: Clusters on new growth; Tiny soft bodies; Often with ants tending them.
Aphid is Tiny, 1–3 mm. Colors: green, black, yellow. Marks: Clusters on new growth; Tiny soft bodies; Often with ants tending them.
Identification marks
- Clusters on new growth
- Tiny soft bodies
- Often with ants tending them
Size: Tiny, 1–3 mm
Colors: green, black, yellow
Where: outdoor
Aphid vs Sweat bee
A cluster on a rose bud = aphids. A tiny bite at dusk with no insect seen = no-see-um or chigger.
- Sweat bee identification (Halictus / Lasioglossum spp.)
- No-see-um identification (Culicoides spp.)
Range and season
Active spring and summer. Places: garden. Plant suckers. They do not bite people.
Garden tips and roses.
Plant suckers. They do not bite people.
Spring and summer
Common questions
Do aphids bite people?
No. They feed on plants.