I'm pretty sure they aren't pollinating, I think they are thieving the nectar. If they are doing the plant some good, like protecting it from herbivores then it's all good.
Who knows?
Ants Nectaring On My Ilex Crenata Skypointer...
They'd be working pretty hard to get from a male-flowered plant to a female-flowered plant to accomplish pollinating in Ilex crenata.
I suspect there is some sugary substance that attracts them, but that's a new one on me.
I'm sure they are capable of working that hard, I've heard what they can do with Rubber Trees. ;)
Ha! Like the rubber tree comment. I say that often to me family when they feel over whelmed.
Birder, it's a good motivational story. :) I think this might be Monomorium minimum (little black ant), the same prize fighters that protect aphids in exchange for their honeydew.
Farming aphids, good little farmers, grrrr.
I agree Kitt and second that grrr!
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads
-
Please recommend the best pink grapefruit tree
started by KimmyMZ
last post by KimmyMZMay 17, 20232May 17, 2023 -
Damage to 20 year old Viburnum
started by johns50
last post by johns50May 04, 20232May 04, 2023 -
Please ID
started by KimmyMZ
last post by KimmyMZMay 19, 20234May 19, 2023 -
Please help identify these 2 trees
started by erez_lrn
last post by erez_lrnMay 17, 20232May 17, 2023 -
Privacy Tree/Hedge for Maryland?
started by JeffR47
last post by JeffR47Jun 20, 20231Jun 20, 2023