Possibly shield bug nymphs. They are related to stink bugs. Many "true bug" species' nymphs can be found clustered together.

Here is a link that might be useful: shield bugs

Got any cotton fields nearby?

No...no cotton fields. To be honest, they really don't look like the bugs in the link.

Shield bugs come in different varieties/colors, so your actual bugs may indeed look different from the link. Also, the link shows an adult above and a nymph below. Yours are small nymphs.

bumpkin, they may not be that specific shield bug that cindy pointed out, but they are most certainly a type of 'true bug'. If you google stink bug nymph or similar search, you'll see the diversity. To add to the difficulty of ID, these critters can change dramatically from instar to instar.

Thanks!! So, is this a bug I need to get rid of? I wonder why they're only on a couple of the dried pods.

I found your bug. It's Niesthrea louisianica, a stink bug of Rose of Sharon.

I'd shake them off into a bucket of soapy water before they develop their wings and are more difficult to collect.

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here

OK, I just clicked on that link, and WOW! What a picture! I have never seen such an amazing close up of a true-bug nymph. Who knew they had all that fuzzy hair?!

You gotta love BugGuide.net

Yep...that's them!! Thanks!*S*