Cotton
Aphids: Cotton aphids are small, slow moving, highly prolific insects
that feed primarily on the underside of cotton leaves. Both winged
and wingless forms of adult aphids can be seen in this photo, along
with nymphs and the white shed skins that are cast as aphids grow.
The two black
tail-pipe
like structures protruding from the back of the abdomen of cotton aphids are
known as cornicles, and are a useful character in aphid identification.
"Cupped
leaves" can result when high numbers of aphids feed on young developing
leaves. Heavy, prolonged infestations of aphids are capable of causing
severe
stunting. Aphids also excrete honeydew, which under arid late season
conditions can result in a condition known as "sticky cotton" that
can cause problems at spinning mills.
