Friday, April 8, 2022

Ants have Aphid Friends: Who Knew?

“Ants and the Aphids” (© Prathamesh Ghadekar. All rights reserved.) Winner, Natural World. Aphids and ants coexist in a symbiotic relationship: The aphids suck the sap of plants and then secrete a substance called honeydew that feeds the ants, who in turn protect the aphids from predators.

The above photo was the winner of the Natural World Category. See all the winners🏆 of this contest -- Smithsonian Magazine Announces Winners of Its 19th Annual Photo Contest Be sure and click on the link. Each and every photograph is absolutely wonderful. xo

7 comments:

Tara Dillard said...

Great pic of Ants & Aphids.

Ants also 'herd' the aphids.

If aphid infestation a problem, no chemicals needed. Smash the aphids with your fingers, leave their dead bodies. They will repel new aphids from the area. Been doing it for decades. Dead aphid body juices will stain my fingers for a day. I do this with beetles and more.............

Garden & Be Well..............INDEED !

Anonymous said...

wonderful pictures.
I especially liked the white rhino and her caretaker and friend. I thought there were no white rhinos left! so glad to see this one. xo

Content in a Cottage said...

Tara Dillard -- Thanks for sharing your method for getting rid of aphids and beetles. I don't use any chemicals either.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

tammy j -- Tam, The caption says she is one of two remaining white rhinos. I'm glad she has such a dedicated caretaker.
xo, Rosemary

Pam said...

Wonderful photos! Thanks for the link, Rosemary. Now if humans would get along and work together as well as ants and aphids!

Lisa D. said...

Tara, I've never heard of your aphid prevention method. Who would have known that aphids are that smart. I've always used lady bugs when I had an aphid infestation. You are a gardening Ninja!

Lisa D. said...

The ant/aphid relationship is probably not something I would want to ponder at length, but it's fascinating the way nature interacts. Now if we humans could only realize this before it's too late.

The pictures are fabulous.