CLOSED: Anyone know what this is on my butterfly weed.

Sipa Arlington, VA(Zone 7a) Aug 07, 2012

I found this bug on my butterfly weed last year just as I was bringing it in for the winter so I cut it back almost to the ground. It came back beautifully and has been doing well all summer. I have been gone for 2 weeks and left the garden in my husband's hands. When I looked at the butterfly weed it was covered with the same bugs as last year but much earlier in the year. Anyone know what this is? Sorry my camera doesn't take great closeups.
If it's not a bad bug I'll just leave there since it matches the flowers so nicely. lol.
Thank you.

Post #9233084

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Aug 07, 2012

A nasty case of Aphids. A strong shot of water will wash them off. Don't miss the ones under the leaves.

Post #9233089

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 08, 2012

yes, it will wash them off but i've found that milkweed and aphids go hand in hand. you can't grow one without the other and though you wash them off, they'll be covered again in a day or two. they don't seem to hurt this particular plant at all.....

Post #9234351

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Aug 08, 2012

That's sort of why I didn't suggest anything to kill them. ^_^

Post #9234357

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 08, 2012

^_^ back at ya!

Post #9234405

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 10, 2012

And, the aphids provide food for ladybug beetles and green lacewing larvae....both beneficial bugs in the garden.

Post #9236892

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 10, 2012

excellent point!

as a side note, my Adenium (Desert Rose) gets aphids several times a year and i have sprayed with castile soap and water in the past but this last time, i just let them be. a few days later i wanted to check on them again and they were totally gone. some little bodies had a good meal!