What are the tiny black bugs or eggs on my esparanza leaves?

Question

I am in southern Arizona. The black things are not on any other surrounding plants. I have twice dusted this plant with diatomateous earth. These things keep returning and they appear to be consuming the leaves.

Answer 1

It could be aphids or mites. The fact that they keep returning to this plant indicates that the plant is having stress somewhere else too. Bugs tend to be attracted to stressed plants. I would check to see if you can reduce the stress to the plant – it may have problems with the roots, not getting enough water or need more nutrients.