The symbiotic relationship between aphids and ants is well established scientifically. If you see both aphids and ants on your plans, it's a disaster waiting to happen anytime soon.
last year I did not address the problem actively in my strawberries, and I had an extremely poor harvest and many of my plants just did not survive! I'm taking action this year.
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Here are 5 fascinating ways by which aphids and ants works symbiotically!
1. **Mutualistic Feeding:** Aphids, while feeding on plant sap, excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew. Ants are attracted to this honeydew and, in turn, protect aphids from predators, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
2. **Ant "Herding":** Ants are known to actively "herd" aphids, moving them to optimal feeding locations on plants. This behavior ensures a steady supply of honeydew for the ants and protection for the aphids.
3. **Ants as Protectors:** Ants defend aphids from natural enemies, such as ladybugs and parasitoid wasps. They may aggressively ward off potential threats or even relocate aphids to safer parts of the plant.
4. **Tending Aphid Populations:** Ants actively tend to aphid colonies, adjusting the number of aphids on a plant to maintain an optimal balance. This careful management ensures a sustained source of honeydew for the ants.
5. **Reciprocal Communication:** There's a remarkable level of communication between ants and aphids. Some species of ants stroke or tap aphids with their antennae, prompting the aphids to release more honeydew. This interaction reflects the intricate nature of their symbiotic bond.
