Black bugs on Japanese Maple

[Thatguy85]

So I have this JM, little princess, and today I saw about two dozen little black bugs crawling over it. They are about a millimeter and don't seem to be the common aphids I pften see on plants. What are they and how to get rid of them?

 

[czaczaja]

Black aphids? If so, try neem oil or soap sprays. But I'd confirm first. Maybe better pics.

 

[Potawatomi13]

If moving rapidly possibly early stage nymphs of true bugs. If very slow likely aphids.

 

[Thatguy85]

Ok thanks. They're moving slowly. I'll try aphid spray on them, let's see what that does.

 

[Weta]

Hopefully not baby labybirds then

 

[Thatguy85]

Hopefully not baby labybirds then

Baby ladybugs? Nah I'd know if they were.

 

[eplov90]

Hopefully not baby labybirds then

What's the problem with baby ladybirds/ladybugs? I had them on my maples this year and didn't notice any major issues. Do they damage the tree/leaves?

 

[Tropfrog]

Isn't maples without leafs and aphids dormant this time of the year in the Netherlands?