Linepithema

is an inconspicuous but ecologically important ant of Neotropical forests and mountains. One species, the Argentine ant L. humile, has become a significant pest in mediterranean climates worldwide.

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Ground pearls are the large, sedentary adult forms of root-sap feeding insects. Here, two Eurhizococcus brasiliensis hang suspended from grape roots deep underground while a Linepithema micans ant gathers the honeydew exuded by the pearls. These insects are significant pests in Brazilian vineyards.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Ants and scale insects are often tight ecological associates, even under the soil. Here, a first instar ground pearl (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis) is carried by a Linepithema micans worker. The ground pearls produce honeydew that feeds the ants, while the ants protect the pearls and carry their young to new host plants.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Linepithema micans running through tunnels in their underground nest.

Tafí del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina

Linepithema micans, worker and eggs in an underground chamber.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Linepithema micans

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

Linepithema micans eating from a bit of shortbread cookie. Myrmecologists often use cookie baits to draw ants out of their nests for study.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ground pearls are the large, sedentary adult forms of root-sap feeding insects. Here, two Eurhizococcus brasiliensis hang suspended from grape roots deep underground while a Linepithema micans ant gathers the honeydew exuded by the pearls. These insects are significant pests in Brazilian vineyards.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

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Keywords: formiga linepithema margarodidae ants tending eurhizococcus brasiliensis ground pearl

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Linepithema

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