Lara is absolutely right !!!!! You can also call them Cows, ants actually protect them because they produce a yummy honeydew that they milk them for. Ladybugs love to eat these : ]]]]] I took a photo of some last year, you got a beautiful macro of them : ]]]]]
If you buy the Ladybugs from the nursery when you get them home water your garden first this will keep them from flying away....They are usually thirsty being cooped up in those bags or cartons : ]]]
Are they aphids?
Thank you all for your help!