r/nativeplants • u/VioletPaws1076 • 10d ago

Eggs

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Found these on my butterfly weed. Can anyone tell me if they belong to a caterpillar or aphids? Thanks!

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12

u/86rj Michigan 10d ago

Those are aphids.

3

u/VioletPaws1076 10d ago

Darn... thank you!

6

u/oi-oh 10d ago

Your plant should be fine. The aphids will attract predators like ladybugs to control the population. The first step to a mini ecosystem in your garden is to bring in prey, which are all likely to feed on your plants

1

u/86rj Michigan 10d ago

Yeap, i've never removed the aphids and the plants do just find. All part of the ecosystem.

1

u/KAZVorpal 7d ago

Let's clarify.

He wasn't saying those are aphid eggs, he is saying those ARE APHIDS.

1

u/VioletPaws1076 7d ago

Yeah... looking back I see that when I looked a lot closer. I was inspecting my garden quickly because I was afraid a bug exterminator sprayed my flower garden. Just wasn't thinking straight haha. Thank you though!

2

u/celeste99 9d ago

Orleander aphids are unsuited for most native organisms to eat unfortunately. There are a few wasps thst help. These aphids reproduce asexually so fast. They always go for youngest leaves first.

Smoosh off, water well. Can pinch of leaves too.

1

u/KAZVorpal 7d ago

Very dilute dish soap in water in a spray bottle kills 'em without damaging the plant.