This is what happens when you plant lettuces out of their natural
habitat!
Unfortunately I could not get a picture of the herding ants - they
retreated as soon as I moved the lettuce leafs. This is a
fascinating story where ants herd aphids onto a leaf and then secrete chemicals that subdue the aphids and
inhibit wing growth. The aphids eat the leaf and the ants eat the aphid's
secretions that are a rich food. The aphids benefit as the ants fight off lady bugs and other
predators.
My own response was to collect tomato leaves (suckers) and chop finely, soak in water overnight and then spray on the aphids. Will it work?
Unfortunately I could not get a picture of the herding ants - they retreated as soon as I moved the lettuce leafs. This is a fascinating story where ants herd aphids onto a leaf and then secrete chemicals that subdue the aphids and inhibit wing growth. The aphids eat the leaf and the ants eat the aphid's secretions that are a rich food. The aphids benefit as the ants fight off lady bugs and other predators.
My own response was to collect tomato leaves (suckers) and chop finely, soak in water overnight and then spray on the aphids. Will it work?
No comments:
Post a Comment