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Why are aphids sometimes called "ant cows" or "honey dew cows"?

Question #151567. Asked by unclerick.
Last updated Aug 09 2024.
Originally posted Aug 09 2024 7:20 AM.

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flopsymopsy star
Answer has 2 votes
flopsymopsy star
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19 year member
59 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
Aphids give off a secretion that ants like to eat, so much so that they even stroke the aphids to make them produce it. The secretion is sweet, like honeydew. In return the ants protect the aphids from their predators, which is a bit like a farmer protecting cattle so they can be milked. Hence the terms "ant cows", "ant cattle", etc.

link https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/potty-gardening-club-ant-farmers-and-aphid-cattle/
Response last updated by flopsymopsy on Aug 09 2024.
Aug 09 2024, 7:45 AM
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