Ants and ?

[Lesinlondon]

I guess these ants are nursing (if that's the term) these aphids (they're not aphids, are they), but what are those winged insects. Thanks. Les.

[jaguarondi]

I think they are aphids because you can just make out the cornicles (small ones) on each one. The winged insects are the adults presumably. What is the plant?

[Lesinlondon]

Thanks jaguarondi. I don't know the plant. Chest high, spindly with long straight, narrow leaves. Aphids, and I always thought they were always green and adults looked like young, with no wings. Thanks. Les.

[jaguarondi]

I think the aphids are some species of Pterocomma, but there are a few species. There is a similar pictures to yours on this page -
www.ymparisto.fi - Suomen ja lähialueiden kirvojen määritysopas

[Lesinlondon]

Thanks for the link. They do look very similar.

[The Woodman]

From your description and what I can make out of the images, I think the tree is an osiered willow species.

These sap sucking aphids are common on osiered willows and the ants are milking the honeydew produced by the aphids.

[Lesinlondon]

Thanks Woodman for the update and info. I wasn't certain they were aphids, but the ants did seem to be caring for them. Les.