First pic looks like ants

Second pic looks like natural forming cuke spur/spikes

Yes, ants. Are they the problem? Please zoom in on rest of pictures to see other insects. Some are beetle like. Others tiny white spiders??

I agree. The first pic definitely looks like ants.

Try cleaning plant off, both sides of leaves with sticky tape or giving the stems and leaves a good shake. Once clear of bugs, spray with a solution of neem oil and water. Neem is a lifesaver in the garden! Have used it successfully to eliminate leaf hoppers on cucumber plant and peppers and used on Rose of Sharon branches.

Here are some pictures of my once sickly cucumber plant. Today it's healthy and thriving thanks to the help and insight of fellow posters and some neem oil ;-).

Hope this helps.

Good luck Kitasei2! Let us know how it goes.

I see a lacewing larvae, a leaf footed bug nymph, a weevil of some kind.

Great suggestion about sticky tape! I sprayed with a diluted dawn soap solution but will go to work with tape snd neem oil toorrow!