May 13, 2022
A small group of Spiny Ants, apparently Polyrhachis mucronata.
I was confused as to why these ants had gathered in this spot, but on further examination of the photos, they’re tending to Scale Insects!
I wouldn’t know much about this particular relationship, but ants do sometimes harvest honeydew from parasitic Hemipterans, and protecting them from predators in turn.
A good example of mutualism.
04/05/22