Garden ant (Lasius niger) with an aphid nymph (Macrosiphon rosae) Science Image

Ref: 80012440d



Ant carrying an aphid. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a Garden ant Lasius niger with a Rose aphid nymph held in its mouthparts. The Rose aphid Macrosiphon rosae is being carried and is protected in a symbiotic relationship with the ant. The Garden ant herds the aphids on domestic rose plants and collects honeydew from them. The ant strokes each aphid with its antennae and the aphid emits a drop of sugary honeydew as nourishment for the ant. In return, the ant protects the aphid by removing the eggs of aphid predators such as ladybirds and lacewings. Magnification: x37 at 6x7cm size.