The photos with adult ants have not been processed in Photoshop.
The small black oval creatures are the aphids.These photos have been manipulated in Photoshop so that I could see the aphids.
Earlier this spring, I decided to let one of my rhubarb plants go to seed because I wanted to see the process and because I don't like yellow rhubarb. This week, Wingnut and I found that there were hundreds of ants on the rhubarb stalk. We have been trying to photograph the ants but it's been difficult. The light and weather have not cooperated. I still have problems focusing the Canon. Today I finally got some shots that were good enough for me to see what was going on on the rhubarb stalk. I had to manipulate the shadows and highlights to see, and I saw a huge aphid farm.
When I need information on bug behavior, I go to Bug Girl's blog. She keeps up with the latest research and this is what I found: ants may actually drug the aphids in order to control them so that they can harvest the aphid honeydew. Go and read more at the blog. I will go back out and try to get better photos.
When clicked, these photos will open, full size, in a new window.
Technorati Tags: aphid farm, ants, honeydew
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WOW! You did it! You have more info there than I want to know about tho. lol Bugs/insects just don't interest me all that much.
ReplyDeleteThat is too cool! Nice photos! Where you using a macro lense?
ReplyDeleteAnt are so so clever... great captures..
ReplyDeleteWonderful details, excellent.
ReplyDeletecool shot!
ReplyDelete