Fun Oleander Aphids Facts For Kids
Gallery
Oleander aphids are a family of insects or bugs that are parasitic in nature. They typically grow on a host plant such as milkweed or the oleander plant.
They are minute creatures, being only about 0.059-0.1024 in (1.5-2.6 mm) long and of negligible weight. They have a shiny bright yellow body with prominent black legs. They are wingless creatures, but some are known to become winged when a colony becomes too large, so they can fly to other plants.
They do not lay eggs for reproduction, since adult females give birth to smaller oleander aphids called nymphs. Hardly any aphids found in their tropical and Mediterranean habitats are males.
The plant that harbors them is called a host plant and it may have its growth stunted due to an overcrowding of aphids on its branches and leaves. Asclepias plants, better known as milkweeds, are particularly in danger of this and these infested plants can be found in the wild or sometimes even in a garden.
The infested plants also attract ants and other insects who are attracted to the sweet honeydew secreted and left behind by oleander aphids.
This infestation of Asclepias is naturally controlled wasps, who feed on the aphid young. On top of this, insecticidal soaps or a stream of water can be used to rid a plant or a garden of large colonies of aphids.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other insects including the Mydas fly or the mayfly here.
Oleander Aphids Interesting Facts
What type of animal are oleander aphids?
The oleander aphid, which is also called a milkweed aphid, is a bug.
What class of animal do oleander aphids belong to?
Oleander aphids belong to the insect class of animals.
How many oleander aphids are there in the world?
Since the oleander aphid (Aphis nerii) is a bug that multiplies quickly and in big numbers, the amount of aphids that exist in the world at a given time is uncertain.
Where do oleander aphids live?
The oleander aphid lives in tropical regions and places with a Mediterranean climate. These aphids can be found among plants and vegetation, or in a garden feeding off plants like oleander, milkweed, and bindweed plants.
What is an oleander aphid's habitat?
Oleander aphids are found on the oleander plant from which they derive their name. The milkweed is another one of its host plants, and hence it is also sometimes called the milkweed aphid.
Who do oleander aphids live with?
The oleander aphid lives in colonies and packs since it multiplies fast.
How long do oleander aphids live?
An oleander aphid typically lives for 25 days.
How do they reproduce?
Adult females of the oleander aphid family reproduce by giving birth to smaller clones of themselves called nymphs.
What is their conservation status?
Their conservation status is currently Least Concern.
Oleander Aphids Fun Facts
What do oleander aphids look like?
Oleander aphids are minuscule beings, with a bright yellow body and black legs. They hardly ever exist alone and are found mostly on milkweeds and the oleander plant, where they become part of the ecosystem. If they take over their plant, they threaten the growth of plants and, consequently, the lives of monarch butterflies who depend on them.
How cute are they?
The oleander aphid is a small, picturesque bug. These aphids have a bright yellow outer body, with prominent black legs.
Moreover, since they are always secreting a sticky honeydew on their bodies, their appearance is shiny and striking. Individually, the oleander aphid is a cute insect but since it is a parasitic creature that survives on host plants in big colonies, collectively they look quite unappealing.
How do they communicate?
Oleander aphids communicate using pheromones and vibrations. This communication usually takes place when the aphids are under attack by wasps, while living on host plants.
How big is an oleander aphid?
Oleander aphids are minute tiny animals, being only 0.059-0.1024 in (1.5-2.6 mm) long.
How fast can oleander aphids fly?
Oleander aphid is typically a wingless insect, but when its host plant gets crowded by its own colonies, some aphids develop wings allowing them to fly away to a newer, different host plant. The speed at which they fly is not currently known.
How much do oleander aphids weigh?
Oleander aphids weigh no more than a tiny 0.0031 grains (0.2 mg).
What are their male and female names of the species?
Oleander aphids have no separate male and females names.
What would you call baby oleander aphids?
Baby oleander aphids are called 'nymphs'.
What do they eat?
Oleander aphids survive on the juices of their host plant, be it the oleander, the milkweed, the periwinkle, or another plant.
Are they dangerous?
Oleander aphids are dangerous only to the plants that they colonize. They can be responsible for the stunted growth of the plant they live on.
The insect, which is also called 'butterfly weed', also makes its host plant look unappealing since their bright yellow bodies leave behind honeydew, which eventually turns into a black sooty mold. Oleander aphids can be gotten rid of in different ways. One of them is to hose down the plant that has been infested.
Would they make a good pet?
Although they have a striking bright yellow body and black legs, oleander aphids would prove a nuisance rather than being good pets.
Did you know...
The syrphid fly, commonly known as a hoverfly, sometimes controls the aphid insects present on host plants. Also, parasitic wasps, such as the cresson wasp, help to get rid of the aphid population by laying their eggs in the newborn nymphs that are bred by a female. The cresson wasp's eggs then feed on the insects.
These aphids can be both winged and non-winged. They are largely wingless unless the colony becomes too dense. When this happens some oleander aphids develop wings so that they can fly to a new host plant.
Ants migrate to Asclepias plants as well as oleander aphids, following the sweet honeydew left behind by these aphids.
Oleander aphids grow in size during summer and spring in tropical and Mediterranean regions.
Oleander aphids on milkweed flowers are a common sight in nature and in many different gardens. These aphids are often found on the buds of the oleander plant, as well as on daisies, periwinkles, and milkweeds.
Oleander aphids feed on sap from the phloem tissue of their host plants.
What kills oleander aphids?
Oleander aphids are habitually attacked by parasitic wasps, particularly cresson wasps. These wasp predators of oleander aphids are also known as Lysiphlebus testaceipes.
How do oleander aphids find their way to milkweed plants?
Oleander aphids are carried by strong winds across long distances each spring. After the winds calm down those with wings can also fly directly to the plant that they plan to use as a host.
Being a species that multiplies rapidly via asexual reproduction, adult oleander aphids are able to build large colonies (sometimes causing an infestation) quickly on the leaves of a host plant such as the oleander or milkweed plant.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other insects including the potter wasp or the hornet.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Georgia insect coloring pages.
Oleander Aphids Facts
What Did They Prey On?
Milkweeds, periwinkle, euphorbias, bindweed, compositae, and citrus plantsWhat Type of Animal were they?
HerbivoreAverage Litter Size?
80How Much Did They Weigh?
0.0031 grains (0.2 mg)What habitat Do they Live In?
mediterranean climatesWhere Do They Live?
poland, england, greece, turkey, Israel, mexico, central america, south america, North AmericaHow Long Were They?
0.059-0.1024 in (1.5-2.6 mm)How Tall Were They?
0.079-0.16 in (2-4 mm)Class
InsectaGenus
AphisFamily
AphididaeScientific Name
Aphis neriiWhat Do They Look Like?
Yellow and blackSkin Type
StickyWhat Are Their Main Threats?
waspsWhat is their Conservation Status?
Least Concern
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Bachelor of Law
Abdulqudus MojeedBachelor of Law
A versatile professional with a passion for creative writing and technology. Abdulqudus is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Law from the University of Lagos and has experience as a tutor, intern assistant, and volunteer. He possesses strong organizational skills and is a detail-oriented person.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.