Aphids are small soft-bodied insects that are typically found feeding on plants. These insects are often considered to be pests as they can cause damage to crops and plants. However ants are known to have a symbiotic relationship with aphids which means that the two species benefit from each other.
The ants protect the aphids from predators such as ladybugs and lacewings and in return the aphids provide the ants with a sweet substance called “honeydew”. The honeydew is produced when the aphids feed on the plants and it is a sugar-rich excretion that the ants enjoy. This symbiotic relationship is beneficial for both species as it helps the aphids to survive and thrive and provides the ants with a tasty treat.
What is the scientific name for the relationship between ants and aphids?
Myrmecophily.
What does this type of relationship between ants and aphids involve?
The ants and aphids have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship in which the ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites and in return the aphids provide the ants with honeydew.
How does this relationship provide benefits for the ants?
The ants receive a nutritious food source from the honeydew secreted by the aphids as well as a form of defense against predators and parasites.
How does this relationship provide benefits for the aphids?
The aphids have greater chances of survival and reproduction due to the protection offered by the ants.
What is the most common species of ant involved in this symbiotic relationship?
The most common species of ant involved in this relationship is the Formica fusca.
What is the most common species of aphid involved in this symbiotic relationship?
The most common species of aphid involved in this relationship is the Acyrthosiphon pisum.
How do the ants ensure that the aphids continue to provide them with honeydew?
The ants groom the aphids to stimulate them to secrete honeydew and will also carry them to new feeding sites.
What predators and parasites are a threat to the aphids?
Ladybird beetles green lacewings and several species of wasp are all predators of aphids.
Aphids are also parasitized by a number of different species of fly.
How do the ants protect the aphids from these predators and parasites?
The ants will chase away predators and parasites that come too close to the aphids.
If an aphid is parasitized the ant will carefully remove the fly larva from the aphid’s body.
What is another name for the honeydew secreted by the aphids?
The honeydew is also known as “aphid rain”.
Do all ants engage in this symbiotic relationship with aphids?
No not all ants engage in this symbiotic relationship with aphids.
Some species of ants actually prey on aphids.
Do all aphids engage in this symbiotic relationship with ants?
No not all aphids engage in this symbiotic relationship with ants.
Some species of aphids have developed chemical defenses that make them unpalatable to ants.
What is the difference between ants that prey on aphids and ants that have a symbiotic relationship with them?
The main difference between ants that prey on aphids and ants that have a symbiotic relationship with them is the presence or absence of a chemical defense in the aphids.
How do the chemical defenses of aphids work?
The chemical defenses of aphids work by making the aphids unpalatable to the ants.
This is typically done through the production of bitter-tasting compounds.
What are some of the benefits of the symbiotic relationship between ants and aphids?
Some of the benefits of the symbiotic relationship between ants and aphids include increased chances of survival and reproduction for the aphids and a nutritious food source for the ants.
