What Eats Orchids in the Rain Forest?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 04, 2020

According to Orchid Plant Care, aphids are one of the primary pests that destroy rain forest orchids. Aphids are tiny insects with soft bodies that range in color from translucent to blue, black and brown.

Aphid infestation damages orchids in three ways. The insect feeds on orchid sap, which reduces the plants ability to get the sugars and nutrients it requires to thrive. Aphids, in turn, produce a sticky substance called honeydew that coats the orchid’s leaves and blocks its ability to absorb nutrients from the sun. Aphids also infect orchids with harmful viruses that are injected when they feed.