- Colonies of aphids may develop near the top of fireweed plants.
- To find them look for darkish areas on the plants.
- These are often tended by red ants which eat the sugary honeydew excreted by the sap-feeding aphids.
- The ants typically stimulate the aphids with their front legs which causes them to excrete the honeydew.
- The ants then lap up this sugary sap.
- The ants generally protect aphids from insect predators.
- What would be the main benefit for both the ants and aphids for this behavior?
- This relationship between ants and aphids is termed mutualistic i.e. the ants get food, and the aphids get protection.
- For more information open up Natural Connections in Alaska and go to page 30.
