Oleander Aphid Aphis nerii

This tiny aphid punches way above its weight when it comes to plant preferences, earning a remarkable collection of common names based on its favorite host plants: oleander aphid, milkweed aphid, sweet pepper aphid, and nerium aphid. Each name reflects a different plant where these bugs congregate in dense clusters, sipping sap like tiny vampires. Its flexibility across different host plants is unusual for aphids, which tend to be picky eaters.

Despite their small size, their tendency to form huge colonies can be noticeable, turning infested plants into bug-covered landscapes. The fact that people noticed them enough to give them multiple names speaks to how common and eye-catching these yellow or orange clusters can be, especially on showy ornamental plants like oleanders.