Today I have another post about interesting things that we usually do not notice.
Here, for example, an apple tree. And the colony of aphids is on young twigs. Ants are running around the aphids and doing something.
Today I learned what they are doing.
Leaf aphid, sucking out the juice from the plant, gets the proteins, but allocates from the body in the form of waste sugar - sweet droplets, called honeydew. So, the ants tried this delicious taste a long time ago. Not only found out - they also invented "domesticated" these "confectionery factories."
They began to take care of aphids, to protect her, even to carry on new plants where the leaves-pasture more tender and juicy. Just like the owners, leading herds of cows, goats and sheep to grassy meadows!
And now you can see it yourself 8))
Nikon D5000 + Sigma AF 17-50mm + Closeup lens
Do you like this post? You can see more of my works in my blog @boddhisattva
Very interesting, great photos :)
Thank you! 8)
Fantastic macro!
Thank you! 8)
Nices pics. One from mines, bad quality but amazing ant carrying a flower ;)
Thanks! Looks like a big ant 8)
amazing :]
Thanks! 8)
Whoa.. superb clarity. The plants look bit hairy. Wonder if can see it like that with naked eyes.
Thanks! Yeah it can be cool 8))
Great shots! I think you managed to really document their behaviour quite well!
Thank you very much! It was very interesting. Now I know why do you have so much photos with insects 8)))
Exactly, being able to communicate and share something as beautiful and interesting as the ants and their relationship with the aphids is really great!
Just like little farmers, thanks for sharing.
Yeah! This is wonderful 8) Thank you too! 8)
These are amazing shots ... its a whole different world ;-)
Thanks! Indeed! It's very interesting to discover it 8)
I love upclose shots of inscets :) keep em coming
Thanks! I will 8))
Как всегда, отличные фото! :)
Спасибо! 8)