Ants and Aphids

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A close association between two organisms of different species, also called symbiosis, is not rare in nature. In some of these cases, the relationship is beneficial to both organism involved. Biologists use the term mutualism to describe such symbiotic relationship. An example of mutualism is between ants and aphids.

An ant tending aphids for honeydew.

Aphids (order Hemiptera) are phloem-feeding insects that secrete honeydew as a by-product of feeding on large amount of plant sap. Many species of ants will herd aphids to obtain constant source of this sugary substance, which is not only rich in carbohydrate but also minerals and amino acids.

An ant often strokes the aphid that it comes across with its antenna, a behavior believed to hold back the aphid fleeing response. Rather than escaping, the aphid lifts its abdomen and secretes the honeydew. In return, the ant confers protection to the aphid from parasites and predators.

Some treehoppers also form symbiotic relationship with ants.

In addition, ants perform a sort of housekeeping by removing the honeydew. Aphids usually remove the honeydew using their leg in the absence of ants. Some species of aphids, however, lose this ability to such a degree they depend on ants to do it for them.  Aside from aphids, treehoppers have also developed this kind of symbiotic relationship with ants.

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