
Phloem-feeding insects
Phloem-feeding insects, such as aphids and whiteflies, are tiny insects that specialize in extracting the nutrient-rich sap from the phloem tissue of plants. The phloem is a part of the plant’s system that transports sugars and other organic nutrients from the leaves to other parts. These insects have specialized mouthparts that allow them to pierce plant tissues and access the phloem efficiently. While they feed, they can transmit plant diseases, and their feeding may cause stress or damage to the plant. They are a significant concern in agriculture and horticulture due to their impact on plant health.