Help - what is this, poss greenfly?

[busylizzie]

I spotted this on my raspberries earlier.


It's only on the stems behind 2 of the flowers and I noticed it because of the mass of ants crawling all over - presumably having a feast!

It looks like masses of greenfly or something, but I've never seen them so tightly packed and restricted to just one or two stems before.

What do you think? And what, if anything do I need to do about it?

Thanks!

[Capsid]

Looks like a clump of aphids (greenfly), the attention by the ants would suggest aphids too.

Squish 'em!

[bluemoon]

Yes, I'd say it was greenfly too. They excrete a fluid from their bums and the ants drink it Occasionally ants will 'farm' greenfly in order to ensure a plentiful supply of this delicacy. Ants aren't usually a pest, as such, but if they are protecting your aphids from the attention of ladybirds then your only option is to squish the greenfly yourself.

[Alice]

I would say it was Geeenfly Busylizzie. With a small infestation like that just get rid of them by squishing them. If you leave them you'll soon have lots more.

[busylizzie]

hmm, bit early in the day to be thinking about ants drinking aphid bum-juice!

I will duly squish - thanks!