Oleander Aphid

Devotees of Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) commonly view Oleander Aphids (Aphis nerii) with disdain. After all, this is the time of the season when we see hordes of the non-native yellow aphids on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants "reserved" for monarch butterfly caterpillars. Of course, Mother Nature takes no reservations, even for royalty.

Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) are commonly viewed with disdain by devotees of monarchs (Danaus plexippus). This is the time of the season when we see hordes of the non-native yellow aphids on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) plants that are "reserved" for monarchs. Of course, it shows that Nature takes no restaurant reservations, even for royalty.

The first time I came across honeyvine milkweed (Cynanchum laeve, family Apocynaceae), I had no idea of the plant's identity. It had milkweed-like seed pods, but they were dangling from a vine climbing high into a tree. Thankfully for me, the vine was also covered with oleander aphids (Aphis nerii).

My wife loves mandevilla. The deep green foliage and showy flowers of these tropical or subtropical vines provide a nice trellised accent on our front porch. So, when she told me one of our vines was under attack by hordes of sap-sucking aphids, I acted quickly … in the interest of domestic bliss.

During yesterday's OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Diagnostic Workshop in Licking County, OH, one of the participants asked about the hordes of yellow aphids sucking juices from common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) reserved for monarch butterfly caterpillars.  These are oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) and their appearance reminds us that nature makes no food reservations.

 

...