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

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