My, what a shame. I don't know what it is, but hope someone can
help you.

Wow, that is horrible. I can't ID it either. Sorry.

I'm wondering if its a problem with the soil or water, and the "pests" (what the heck ARE those??) came because the lotus is so ill??
Tell us more about how long you've had the plant, what kind of soil it is, etc. I'm wondering if it did dry out.

(I hope you're well now).

If you have a horicultural center in your area or a knowledgable garden center, I would take a couple of leaves, including the stems, containing those pests to them and enlist their help in dealing with them. I've never seen anything like that before. Put them in a plastic baggie to avoid contaminating other plants when you're transporting it.

Sorry, I meant "horticultural". Finger-stutter.

LOL at nancy's typo!!!!! Seriously almost spit my coffee out.

Here's a link to a pic that looks like what you have.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:202440}}

Wow, Goodkarma, I think you may have found the answer. I'm trying to grow lotus this year from seed so I am grateful for any hints of problems that might come up. Thanks, where did you find that picture?

Nancy, I'm afraid I had a giggle at the typo, too.

Thanks everyone! Goodkarma, I am positive that the waterlily aphid is the culprit, it looks exactly like what I am seeing. Thank you so much for the link. Thankfully no other plants have been affected.

Thanks again to all!!