[gobs]

Did not have my camera...

Was cutting down the tansy stalks, when I noticed, my hands were red as if blood stained and I was covered all over like have been to an ant nest with little dark, blood red insects of about aphid size a few mms.

These were feeding on the under sides of the leaves in the thousands to say the least. I 'd say soft bodied as slightest touch birsts them, discoloured my clothes, too. Elongated spouty mouth piece, which is well seen by the naked eye, followed by roundish body as compared.

No any cobweb like things or similar. Larger than red spider mite and different colour of course.

Any ideas? :shock:

[Aunt Sally]

No idea at all !

Try this key

http://www.amentsoc.org/insects/what-bug-is-this/adult-key.html

[Aunt Sally]

That might be no help though  :roll:

[gobs]

Very good site Aunty, but as you say, I don't know that much detail - and the right one - or the lingo to get somewhere with it.

I was advised petrol and matches on site.    

[Aunt Sally]

I was advised petrol and matches on site.    

 :shock: NNNOooooo :!:

I used to work with an man who used that remedy on an ants nest.  

His false hand was fairly good - I kid you NOT !!!

[gobs]

Don't think so... :shock:  

Here they are:









All over the place between 2 lots of tansy, 6 legs, long antennae.

[NoodleSoup]

Is it possible it's red spider mite --> http://www.idahohotsprings.com/images/blog/red_spider_mite.jpg

Although I thought red spider mite was meant to be smaller than what you've described.

[Aunt Sally]

How about Red Velvet Mite

http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/redvelvetmite.htm