What are these bugs

Ottawa, KS(Zone 6a)

Mammoth sunflower underside of lower leaves, that have had yellow rusty spots for at least a month, now those leaves covered in these thingies...and there have been ants on it since it started growing. I do not think any of these things are ants now though...it is as if it is an insect in varying stages of growth, the biggest ones being the light colored with brown, and have legs and all. The littlest look like ants kind of, and the others look...bigger black like they are covered in stuff or something or I suppose just haven't turned light colored yet.

Thumbnail by AceBug Thumbnail by AceBug Thumbnail by AceBug Thumbnail by AceBug
Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

You should post your question over on the Bug ID forum (if you haven't already) for most eyes knowledgeable about bugs.

I think you are describing the life cycle of Aphids.

Ottawa, KS(Zone 6a)

Thank you for your advice. I have posted two other threads on the pest and disease forum I think it is and haven't yet had any response. I thought aphids were little and red? I have a lot of research to do, sooooo many different insects! Do you know if there is a way to change my post to the other forum, or if I have to just redo the whole post there?

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

Redo your post; copy and paste is easiest.

There are so many different kinds of aphids, it isn't even funny. The good thing is that they are not difficult to reduce in numbers - mostly by spraying hard with a hose, or using soapy water to suffocate them.

The Insect ID forum will be your best bet - good ID minds there (I'm thinking Flapdoodle).

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