Aphid (plant louse)

6046  I recently found these bugs on the new growth of our Mugo Pine here in Calgary. These bugs always appear surrounded by a number of ants and are about 3mm long.    Thank you,  Tom

This is an aphid, also known as a plant louse (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae). When feeding, they often secrete a sticky fluid called honeydew; some species of ants are attracted to this substance and will appear to guard the aphids against other predatory/parasitic insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.