[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[norata at cox.net]

Nora
85224
norata at cox.net

My established snail vines are loosing their leaves. Upon close inspection I can see tiny black dots and insect bites on the yellow leaves. The  green leaves are covered with very active tiny black insects 1-2mm long. They have elongeated bodies and are able to jump from leaf to leaf. I took leaf samples in sealed ziplock bags to 2 different nurseries for identification. Neither nursery could tell me what the bug was but they both recommended 70% neem oil spray. Is this a new pest to the Phoenix area? Are the black dots eggs or fungus spores started after recent monsoon rains? The vines are growing on a wide arbor. Any ideas?
Thanks 
Nora