They are also called Beech Blight Aphids (Grylloprociphilus imbricator) - but, I don’t very much care for that name as the aphids to not really cause the tree too much grief. They may harm the branch, but the tree will be fine.
What first caught my eye was the large black and white area on the ground. I’ve learned that this is sooty mold (Scorias spongiosa) - it grows on the honeydew deposited by the aphids. I am surprised it is the first time I have noticed this. I’ll have to keep an eye out from now on this time of year.
