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Cooperation among species

Rodafina said:
Have I been watching ants protecting aphids?
View attachment 142695

View attachment 142696

I've been watching these guys on the end of a pine tree branch for about 2 weeks now. First, I thought the ants were eating the smaller insects, but they are not. Then, I thought I was looking at an ant nursery, but no. I think I have finally figured out that what I've been watching is ants "herding" aphids in order to consume their nectar. Animal mutualism - the ants get the nectar, the aphids get protection.

I hope someone can confirm that I am understanding this animal interaction correctly.

Ants and Aphids « NORTHWEST WILDLIFE ONLINE
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Yes. Some ants "milk" nectar out of the aphids for the ants' nutrition. Ants protect the aphids from some predators.

One way I know aphids are on my plants is if there are a lot of ants.
 
FYI, coyotes have been known to collaborate with badgers when hunting prairie dogs.
Coyotes and Badgers Hunt Together!
~​
Accordingly, I have a couple in my figure collection, Brock & Jacqueline.
  • Brock means "badger."
  • "American jackal" is another name for the coyote.
 
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ants and aphids
 
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