Some sort of scale insect. And those are very good, high resolution photos!!!

where are you .. and what Clem??? ... deciduous?? .. type???

Ken, none of that makes any difference :-) It is what it is, regardless of location or type of clem.

how you deal with it.. could depend on such .. and since we are in the clinic.. i guessed that would be the next question ...

if its deciduous ... seems like a scale problem would be solved by ma nature ...

if its a fall/spring cut down plant.. bazinga ...

if its an evergreen plant.. then something might need be done ...

and of course.. many of the variables differ.. by location .. and evergreen in CA might be deciduous in MI ...

i agree those are some incredible .. though disgusting pix.. lol ... reminds me of a leach and a lamprey .... yuck ...

ken