Mutualistic is a photograph by Sue Capuano which was uploaded on August 2nd, 2012.
Mutualistic
Some species of ants farm aphids, protecting them on the plants they eat, eating the honeydew that the aphids release from the terminations of their... more
by Sue Capuano
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Title
Mutualistic
Artist
Sue Capuano
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Some species of ants "farm" aphids, protecting them on the plants they eat, eating the honeydew that the aphids release from the terminations of their alimentary canals. This is a "mutualistic relationship".
These "dairying ants" "milk" the aphids by stroking them with their antennae.
Some farming ant species gather and store the aphid eggs in their nests over the winter. In the spring, the ants carry the newly hatched aphids back to the plants. Some species of dairying ants (such as the European yellow meadow ant, Lasius flavus) manage large "herds" of aphids that feed on roots of plants in the ant colony. Queens that are leaving to start a new colony take an aphid egg to found a new herd of underground aphids in the new colony. These farming ants protect the aphids by fighting off aphid predators.
(information copied from Wikipedia)
Uploaded
August 2nd, 2012
More from Sue Capuano
Comments (7)
Chris Gudger
I knew about the relationship between ants and aphids. But I had never seen it. This is a magnificent shot. The description is very informational.
Chris Gudger
I knew about the relationship between ants and aphids. But I had never seen it. This is a magnificent shot. The description is very informational.
Steve Harrington
I learn new stuff every day, but seldom things a cool as this! Great image and fascinating information, Susan! v/f
Randy Rosenberger
Not only an awesome capture and presentation, Susan, but your description is very educational! I know that the Asian beetles, that look like ladybugs, were introduced to kill the aphids that fed on plants, then the DNR, in their wisdom, or lack of it, brought in the, what I call the DNR fly, which was supposed to feed on the larvae of the Asian Beetles, and now we have these millions of pest flies all around us. I love your description, as to what mother nature does to control and mutualize its community. What a grandiose shot of the plant, the aphids and the "farming" ants! A real treasure to view and to read about. Thanks for sharing! Got my F/V on this educational and unique capture!
Sue Capuano replied:
Thanks so much Randy, I appreciate the F/V! Did not know about the imported flies, when will we learn to stop messing in Mother Natures business? She always wins in the end! :-)
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