Curled, cupped, distorted, and discolored leaves indicate feeding by which pest?

Curled, cupped, distorted, and discolored leaves are classic symptoms associated with aphid feeding. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants by inserting their needle-like mouthparts into the plant tissues. As they feed, they can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to the characteristic curling and distortion of the leaves.

Additionally, aphids can transmit plant viruses, which may result in further discoloration and overall decline in plant health. The feeding activity can lead to a buildup of sticky honeydew, which can attract other pests and contribute to the growth of sooty mold. This pattern of leaf damage is distinctly associated with aphid infestation, making it crucial for pest identification in agricultural and horticultural settings.

In contrast, while caterpillars typically cause chewing damage, which results in holes or ragged edges rather than distortion, spider mites are more likely to cause stippling and webbing as they feed, while thrips tend to cause silvery streaking and scarring on leaves. Thus, the symptoms listed strongly correlate with aphid activity.