20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The ant shepherds
4 Lasius niger ants, farming a flock of Callaphis juglandis aphids on a walnut leaf. While the aphids feed on the tree juices and sap, which they suck out of the leaf´s middle vein, the ants protect them, keep them in line and hope to get some of the sweet juices the aphids produce.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 07.2021 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2022 |
Photo Location: | Velbert, Germany |
Camera: | Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
Copyright: | © Christian Brockes |