Ugly little critters on my bell pepper plants

Question

Have some insects(?) about twice as big as an ant, dark black/brown with spikes all-over their backsides. They seem to group at the nodes near the tops of the (adult) plants. What are they?

Answer 1

That sounds like assassin bugs and they are super awesome bugs. They are likely going after bad bugs that have infected your peppers. Be glad that they are there. Here is more info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/assassin-bugs.htm