Newt Tech

Ants and Aphids

June 23rd, 2006

Yes, posting about Ants and Aphids again.  I was sitting on my front step yesterday looking at the plant that is infested with aphids.  The ants have moved the aphids, and more aphids are present.  It looks like the ants have two ‘farms’ of aphids.

 A very interesting thing I noticed was what looked like spitting from where the aphids were.  It was so small and happened so fast it took a while before I could see what was happening. 

As it turns out, it appears that the aphid ‘waste’ that the ants drink is litterally ejected from the aphid at high speed.  I don’t know why the ants weren’t collecting it before it shot out, but it was interesting to see. 

I looked down at the leaves below noticed that they were covered in a clear sticky goo (yes, that’s a technical term!).  And it was quite a ways away from where the aphids were, so it must get ejected to quite a distance.

Ah, the wonders of nature.

I would have taken photos, but I couldn’t find the camera.  I’ll try to dig it up and post a couple photos.  If I can capture the event where it’s being ejected.

There must be so many more living things participating in symbiotic relationships, as ants and aphids do. 

Entry Filed under: Nature and Science