Ants herding aphids. Close-up of ants (family Formicidae) herding aphids (superfamily Aphidoidea) on an oak-leaved hydrangea plant (Hydrangea quercifolia). These two animals have a symbiotic relationship. The ants feed on honeydew from the aphids and in return the ants protect the aphids and their eggs. Honeydew is a sugary substance excreted by the aphids as they feed on the sap from a plant's stem. To ensure a supply of honeydew the ants herd the aphids onto sap-rich plants. An ant can get a supply of honeydew whenever needed by tapping an aphid with an antennae | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Terry, Sheila |
Bildgröße: | 4368 px × 2912 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |