SYMPTOMS
Yellow spots form on leaves caused by the feeding activity of the aphids. Leaves will often become cupped or distorted. Feeding activity may also cause reduced flowering. Often, honeydew (a sticky substance) will be found on the tree and on plants growing below. Sooty mold, a black fungus that grows on the honeydew may also be present.

DESCRIPTION OF PEST
The Crapemyrtle Aphid is very small (approximately 1/8 inch) and yellowish-green. Their soft bodies are sparsely covered with dark, stout hairs. They have long antennae which sweep over their back. They may or may not have wings. Wings are transparent with translucent brown veins, and extend beyond the abdomen.

LIFE CYCLE
Crapemyrtle Aphids survive the winter as eggs which have been laid in cracks and crevices in twigs or under bud scales. The eggs hatch in the spring where the aphids begin feeding on the succulent new growth. After about 10 days, this first generation of aphids, which are all female, begin giving birth to live young at the rate of up to one every 30 minutes. All of these offspring are also female and will begin bearing after approximately 10 more days. Multiple generations occur through the growing season in this same fashion until fall when male aphids will be produced for mating to form the overwintering eggs.