I found some of these very bright yellow aphids on my milkweed plants this week. I’m used to seeing green or black aphids, but never flashy yellow ones. These little pests are oleander aphids (sometimes known as milkweed aphids).
I’ve never been able to distinguish features on aphids before. Usually they just look like little blobs, but because these tiny guys are so brightly-colored, you can actually see all their various parts.
This guy appeared to be staring at me like some bug-eyed crawfish, but those aren’t his eyes. In fact, that’s not even his front end. Aphids have two little spikes on the top of their abdomens called cornicles. They use those little tubes to secrete a defensive fluid that quickly hardens.
I could’ve washed away the aphids with a spray of water, but I’m going to wait a few days and see if any ladybugs show up for a feast.