Aphid sp.

These are nymph and adult aphids. The white objects are the exoskeletons of individuals that have molted. Aphids feed on the phloem of plants by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into various locations on the plant. Aphids produce honeydew, a sugary liquid excretion that is a delicacy among ants. Occasionally aphids are referred to as ant cows because ant colonies consume the honeydew they produce and in return provide protection from insect predators. 

Order: Hemiptera
Family: Aphididae

Photograph: © 2016 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 16 August 2016
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o22'25" N 111^o09'08" W)