They appear to be the skins of aphids, cast off in the molting process.

Al

The don't look like aphids molts to me. But just what they are, I haven't decided yet! Aphids skins look pretty much look like what they are...you can see the legs and even the antennae...they aren't smooth like these appear to be. Also, the aphids would be present, too, in all likelihood.

Thanks for your input guys, appreciate it. Very puzzling.. can't figure it out!

I'm pretty sure that they are one of the scale insects in the 'crawler' stage.

(grr...I had to 'sign in', yet again!)

I would say it's Fern Scale, which does affect plants other than ferns.

I give up - done with trying to identify any but the simplest, most obvious pests! I get my butt kicked by those more expert than I every time. What a perfect example of why we should be ready to eat humble pie when we operate at beyond the limits of our knowledge. ;o)

Al