Ant Larval Demand Reduces Aphid Colony Growth Rates in an Ant-Aphid Interaction

Ant Larval Demand Reduces Aphid Colony Growth Rates in an Ant-Aphid Interaction

Ants often form mutualistic interactions with aphids, soliciting honeydew in return for protective services. Under certain circumstances, however, ants will prey upon aphids. In addition, in the presence of ants aphids may increase the quantity or quality of honeydew produced, which is costly. Throu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: James M. Cook, Simon R. Leather, Tom H. Oliver
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2012-02-01
Series:Insects
Subjects:
context dependency
conditionality
mutualism
ant predation
keystone interaction
Lasius niger
Aphis fabae
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/3/1/120/

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