Ants and Aphids

[Moonhead]

Do ants eat aphids, or do they use them for some other purpose? Maybe like cows or sheep or dogs? ;o) As I was waiting for the bus this morning, I noticed a bush next to me was absolutely crawling with ants. They were going up and down the branches in quite an orderly fashion, but there were loads crowded on the tips, where there were also lots of little green aphids. I thought the ants were eating them at first, but they just seemed to be crawling all over them without removing them? Can anyone shed any light on this? Thanks :)

[andy hughes]

I'm sure I remember seeing on TV that aphids can be 'milked' for a substance that the ants use for food - the equivalent of keeping cows, as you suggest, but I am open to correction because I'm going from memory here.

[robber1]

Ant use aphids like we use cows. The ants also protect the aphids from many creatures that would otherwise eat them. We have 3 crateagus hawthorn trees, which attract aphids. Endless lines of ants are going up and down the trunks "milking" the aphids. Good question Moonhead.

[robber1]

Sorry andy, we posted at the same time!

[Moonhead]

Thank you both v much - I did have an idea that the aphids were ant cows, must have seen the same programme as you andy, but was just making sure. Dont you think its kind of sweet - little ant milkmaids with pet cows! Bless! ;o)

[paulz]

MoonheadANTs" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/62q7n">ANTs & APHIDS

[paulz]

Moonhead - Doh! I'll try again, Ants & Aphids