Formicine ants are often dependent on honeydew-producing insects. Here, Lepisiota sp. workers tend to scale insects in a South African forest. St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
On the underside of a sun-soaked leaf, Aphaenogaster tennesseensis tending to Entylia sp. treehoppers. The treehoppers secrete sweet honeydew for the ants in exchange for protections from parasites and predators. Lake Glendale, Illinois, 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
