May 2011. A member from Germany asked what were the insects on the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis?

The images are not clear, but it is almost certain that the insects are aphids. A member mentioned that they are often accompanied by ants, which use the sticky secretions from the aphids as food. If ants are present, it is necessary to control them too. To rid the flowers of aphids, use a soapy water spray.

Another member said that it appears that aphid parasites are already active as many of the aphids apear to be “mummies”, that is dead, empty, aphid bodies killed by parasites. These parasties, together with predators, such as syrphid and lacewings, may control the aphids so that sprays are not needed.