aphid

noun

ˈā-fəd

also ˈa-fəd

: any of numerous very small soft-bodied homopterous insects (superfamily Aphidoidea) that suck the juices of plants

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Fact check:Experts say Asian lady beetles can harm pets, but only in large amounts More:Study reveals how ladybugs fold their wings for flight What do ladybugs eat? Ladybugs eat aphids and other small insects. —

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 26 May 2023 Note that neem oil doesn't discriminate between aphids and bees, butterfly larvae, or other good guys. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2023 Spray whiteflies and aphids off with a sharp stream of water using a Bug Blaster hose end nozzle. —

Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2023 Most of the aphids will not be able to return to the plant. —

Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2023 Decide on Acceptable Levels of Garden Bugs For example, what is the acceptable level of aphids or Japanese beetles in your garden? —

Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2023 The Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN) also offers additional information on reporting garlic mustard aphids in a brochure. —

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 1 Apr. 2023 Patrick Liesch, director of the University of Wisconsin's insect diagnostic lab, agreed the insect in the video didn't appear to be a mosquito but rather a variety of aphid. —

Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2023 Have the aphids been worse in April or in June? —

Marianne Willburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aphid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.