Ants are attracted to any insect that produces honeydew, not just aphids. FYI.

I don't see any aphids in the image. I know that you are in Ecuador, so this might be a critter unfamiliar to me entirely. It might help if we knew the kind of plant you've found these little things on.

It would help if you could post a higher quality photo, or at least a photo with a bit more light.
From what I can see, these could possibly be mealybugs. Looks to me like a scale insect.
*Check out the Pseudococcidae family.
My second guess would have been aphid, but the pests in the picture seem to have a pubescence or extra limbs that is not characteristic.

hey rhiz... spiny backs.. make me think of ladybug nymphs...

any chance i might be in the ballpark???

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Not ladybugs.

Hey guys. Thanks for your help. These pics are very close-up. The bugs are tiny and were found on a croton and also on my bougainvillea. With the naked eye I didn't notice them moving but with my camera zoomed in they were moving all over the leaf. I will try and take brighter shot.

I'd wash them off. The repeat as needed.