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Ants herding aphids
Ants herding aphids. Close-up of ants (family Formicidae) herding aphids (superfamily Aphidoidea) on an oak-leaved hydrangea plant (Hydrangea quercifolia). These two animals have a symbiotic relationship. The ants feed on honeydew from the aphids and in return the ants protect the aphids and their eggs. Honeydew is a sugary substance excreted by the aphids as they feed on the sap from a plant's stem. To ensure a supply of honeydew the ants herd the aphids onto sap-rich plants. An ant can get a supply of honeydew whenever needed by tapping an aphid with an antennae.
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