What are these black spots on all my pepper plants?

[Vicki Boyd]

Can anyone identify what these are on our jalapeno plants? Click on the image one or two times to zoom in. Looks like maybe one, two, or three different pests. We're prepared to destroy the plants but want to know what these things are so we can prevent this in the future.

--Thanks!

[Glenn]

I hate to say it, and I could be mistaken, but it looks a lot like aphids. Possibly in several stages of development and maybe  a few cultivating ants carrying or tending to some.

[Alex Veidel]

Yeah, I think Glenn is right. I haven't dealt with black aphids personally before, but that's what they look like.