Where do Oleander Aphids aggregate heavily on the ornamental shrub *Nerium oleander*?
Answer
Tender new growth, stems, and the undersides of leaves
The feeding behavior of the Oleander Aphid shows a strong preference for the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of its host plants, including both oleander and milkweed. When colonizing the ornamental shrub *Nerium oleander*, these aphids aggregate heavily in areas where growth is most active. This concentration is typically found on the tender new growth, along the younger stems, and particularly on the undersides of the leaves. This preference for new tissue is why infestations can rapidly expand during the spring and early summer growth flushes, as the aphids maximize sap intake from these developing areas.
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