A Technomyrmex difficilis white-footed ant tends to aphids for honeydew. The aphids gain protection from predators in exchange for their sweet exudates.

Orlando, Florida, USA
A Technomyrmex difficilis white-footed ant tends to aphids for honeydew. The aphids gain protection from predators in exchange for their sweet exudates.

Orlando, Florida, USA
Prenolepis imparis tending aphids for honeydew.

Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
Formica subsericea tending aphids for honeydew.

Gray Summit, Missouri, USA
Acyrthosiphon pisum pea aphids.

Davis, California, USA
A soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) spreads its delicate wings to take flight. This insect has become one of the most economically damaging pest insects to agriculture in the United States.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
An alate aphid with her newborns on the underside of a pipevine leaf.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Formica integroides workers tending pine aphids.  The ants obtain a large portion of their energy from symbiotic relationships with hemipterans such as these aphids.

Sagehen Creek, California, USA
Formica integroides worker tending pine aphids.  The ants obtain a large portion of their energy from symbiotic relationships with hemipterans such as these aphids.

Sagehen Creek, California, USA
Prenolepis imparis tending aphids for honeydew.

Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis tending aphids for honeydew.

Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
Prenolepis imparis tending aphids for honeydew.

Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013