pest or mechanical damage on Phal aerial root?
 

Hi! I'm very new to orchids and am determined to keep my girls alive even with my black thumb. That being said, I recently purchased a new phal and when I got home I noticed a spot on an aerial root so I have kept it away from the phal I already have at home.

I was wondering if anyone could look at the attached pictures and tell me if you think it's mechanical damage to the root or if it is a pest/fungus of some kind. Also, if it is a pest/fungus how would I go about treating? I think it's just mechanical damage but I want to be sure before I put the new phal next to my first one.

Thank you so much in advance

I think it looks like mechanical damage too. The root is green along its whole length, and the newer part is undamaged. Don't worry about it.

Agree with Fishmom

Ditto here.

Thank you so much!

The regular, repeated nature of the damage make some think it was done by a critter of some sort.