A mutualism without honeydew: what benefits for Melissotarsus emeryi ants and armored scale insects (Diaspididae)?

Mutualisms between ants and sap-sucking insects generally involve clear benefits for both partners: the ants provide protection in exchange for honeydew. However, a single ant genus associates with armoured scale insects (Diaspididae) that do not excrete honeydew. We studied three colonies of Meliss...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Christian Peeters, Imre Foldi, Danièle Matile-Ferrero, Brian L. Fisher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PeerJ Inc. 2017-07-01
Series:PeerJ
Subjects:
Online Access:https://peerj.com/articles/3599.pdf