Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Aphididae from Ant nest, NE HU, 03.2010
Posted by pwalter on 22-03-2010 22:29
#1
Hi, this interesting, 2 mm long Aphid was in an ant nest on an arid slope-steppe. Maybe genus is possible? What does it have to do with ants?
Posted by Paul Beuk on 22-03-2010 23:47
#2
Maybe the reverse questions is better: What has an ant to do with a root aphid? Well, basically the same as with a regular aphid. ;)
Posted by Andrzej on 23-03-2010 14:13
#3
Look like member of Tramini but to small to be regarded as an adult ! Probably a larva of Protrama (I will check it later). Concerning the ants and aphid association, see plz, the term at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trophobiosis or ie. at: www.scielo.br/pdf/ne/v30n4/a01v30n4.pdf .
best wishes,
Andrzej
Posted by pwalter on 23-03-2010 14:23
#4
Thanks for the replies! I knew the relation between 'normal' Aphids and ants, but never heard that Aphids can be actually
in the ant nest (there were several tiny nymphs also). I thought they might be overwintering there. But as Paul pointed out, they may be root aphids, that explains why theye were under the ground.
Regards, Walter