Question

insect   Hi there,
i live in england and am visiting a friend on the Isle of wight.
Last night after letting the dogs out i came in to hang my jacket up and noticed this wierd insect on another coat. i then saw about 10 more. and then they were on the coat i had just taken off!!! they are about 5mm long in their body. Cant see any wings and they are all over the side of the house outside but not in clumps.
Any ideas? i have never seen these before. have uploaded a picture.
i look forward to your response.

Answer
Lucy,

This looks like a large aphid, possibly the large willow aphid (see http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/insects-spiders/common-bugs/aphid-watch/), note the horn-like projection on back. Are there willow trees nearby? These aphids are harmless.

Jack DeAngelis