Cotton Insect Pests
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.