Conifer aphid

Symptoms
A sticky liquid secretion called honeydew drips down causing a serious nuisance problem. This honeydew is also a problem for the trees in that it serves as a food for the black sooty mold fungus. Those conifer aphids that feed on needles often cause curling or twisting of the needles due to toxins in their saliva. Honeydew problems are associated with these aphids also.

Spot them
There are a number of conifer aphids. They are often large black aphids that attack only coniferous trees. There are a few that are smaller, green, and develop powdery white waxy material over their bodies. The large black ones frequently feed on growth tips and twigs.