Ants Tending Aphids

Occurred on May 27, 2015 / Dohr, Germany

Info from Licensor: "I am Lothar Lenz, a nature photographer with heart and soul, and I am lucky enough to live in a small cul-de-sac village in the Eifel - surrounded by fields, forests and stream valleys, just a stone's throw from the Moselle valley. Here I can experience nature in all its diversity and observe some of the most fascinating animals right on my doorstep: Black storks, wildcats and eagle owls are my permanent neighbors. In summer, my garden is full of hornets and wasps, which I capture with my camera, whether in impressive close-ups or exciting video sequences. This closeness to nature inspires me every day and drives me to capture the beauty and uniqueness of our environment in my photographs. My desire is to inspire and motivate others to get involved in protecting this wonderful world - be it in distant regions or right on their own doorstep.

I filmed ants tending an aphid colony, a fascinating example of symbiosis in nature. On the plants, numerous aphids were clustered together, feeding on plant sap. The ants moved carefully among the aphids, resembling attentive shepherds.
Using their antennae, the ants gently stroked individual aphids, a behavior known as 'milking.' This stimulation prompted the aphids to secrete honeydew—a sugary liquid that serves as an important food source for the ants. The footage clearly shows the ants collecting the honeydew droplets and carrying them away in their mandibles.
At the same time, the ants actively protected the aphid colony. They patrolled the area and appeared to fend off potential predators like ladybug larvae or other threats. Some ants inspected the surroundings, while others stayed close to the aphids, ensuring their safety. This behavior provides the aphids with a degree of protection while the ants benefit from the steady supply of honeydew.
The macro footage reveals stunning details: the delicate movements of the aphids, the precise stroking by the ants, and the glistening honeydew droplets. It showcases the finely tuned relationship between ants and aphids, highlighting how both species benefit from this mutual cooperation—ants gain a constant energy source, and aphids receive protection."