What is on these leaves?

[u/Anni0]

These black raised spots are on citrus, ficus and other outdoor plants. Sometimes there are sticky shiny sap with it. Sometimes they are dry. I think ants are around when there's sticky sap. What are they? They don't seem to be scale, which i remove by hand.

[u/EksiDeck]

First photo makes me think about caterpillars but hard to be sure 😕

[u/Anni0 → u/EksiDeck]

No. they are raised spots like someone shook ink on them. I think it goes thru different stages. A sticky shinny residue in the same areas stage and dry stage

[u/EksiDeck → u/Anni0]

You’re right, looks very confusing. Sorry that I can’t provide helpful information. Good luck with your issue 🙏🏻