Horseweed Aphid
Aphidae
These ants are feeding on sap from growing points of Conyza schimperi near Eldoret, Kenya, January 2012.
Aphids have short legs and most of the time their long strawlike mouthparts are
deeply imbedded in the plant tissue. Thus they are mobile, but very reluctantly
so. When attacked by predators they are as likely to kick as to flee. Once a
colony is established the founding females give birth to live nymphs that often
stay nearby. Eventually a colony of dozens of squat bugs accumulates. Minute
wasps, lacewings and ladybird beetles are among the predators that feast on
these often abundant and easy to catch pests.
More often than not, aphids are closely guarded by ants seeking waste sugar. Sugar is a waste product because it is in abundance in plant sap, more than is needed. The ants help protect the aphids from their numerous enemies and may even carry them to safety during harmful weather events. Clicking the thumb links at right will provide more information about the host plant and the protecting ants.