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A few other subjects from Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve
May 1, 2015 19:53:53   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
I already posted a few photos of a Western Pigmy-Blue butterfly, captured during the same outing.

Photographed at Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve in Long Beach CA:
http://www.longbeach.gov/park/parks_and_open_spaces/parks/jack_dunster_marine_biological_reserve.asp

Hand-held Nikon D5200 at ISO 200, Nikkor 105G macro lens, 1/200-sec at f/16, Nissin Di866 speedlight at 1/4 power, with 6x8-inch FotoDiox softbox diffuser.

1.) Dew encrusted cranefly
1.) Dew encrusted cranefly...
(Download)

2.) Single Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis), seeking nectar
2.) Single Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis), se...
(Download)

3.) Argentine ants (Iridomyrmex humilis) herding aphid species Chaitophorus nigrae
3.) Argentine ants (Iridomyrmex humilis) herding a...
(Download)

4.) Unknown, itty-bitty moth
4.) Unknown, itty-bitty moth...
(Download)

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May 1, 2015 20:54:29   #
Albuqshutterbug Loc: Albuquerque NM
 
The ants herding aphids is to die for.
Outstanding shots all but I really like that one.

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May 1, 2015 20:59:32   #
mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA
 
Those are nice! But I too like that one of ants herding aphids! Never heard of a thing like that but I better start squinting more!

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May 1, 2015 21:14:54   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
mrova wrote:
I too like that one of ants herding aphids! Never heard of a thing like that . . .
Aphids suck sap from plants, which is high in water & sugar. Aphids excrete this excess sweet water, which is called honeydew. Ants protect their aphid herd from predators, like Lady beetles, and in return, aphids excrete honeydew when massaged by ants. This is garden symbiosis.

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May 1, 2015 21:55:27   #
pfrancke Loc: cold Maine
 
I love the way that ants look, they glow like old beer bottles, a most beautiful thing.

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May 1, 2015 22:18:42   #
napabob Loc: Napa CA
 
:thumbup:

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May 2, 2015 01:38:48   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
Agree with the consensus: Love the herding ants. :thumbup:

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May 2, 2015 01:52:00   #
Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.
 
I have never seen Aphids like these. They are spiky like a cross between Bristly Springtails and Aphids. They are also lacking tail pipes :|

Nice work Douglass :thumbup:

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May 2, 2015 02:04:33   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
Flyextreme wrote:
I have never seen Aphids like these.
Per BugGuide.net, these are a species of aphid called Chaitophorus nigrae: http://bugguide.net/node/view/549466/bgimage
Not your typical leaf aphid.

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May 2, 2015 09:13:59   #
tinusbum Loc: east texas
 
aphids n ants,never seen a herd like that.cool!

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May 2, 2015 11:27:24   #
naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA
 
Great series & very informative. Thanks for posting.

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May 2, 2015 14:10:58   #
EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England
 
Lovely clear shots and a learning experience at the same time, the whole package.

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May 2, 2015 15:21:03   #
gym Loc: Athens, Georgia
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
Aphids suck sap from plants, which is high in water & sugar. Aphids excrete this excess sweet water, which is called honeydew. Ants protect their aphid herd from predators, like Lady beetles, and in return, aphids excrete honeydew when massaged by ants. This is garden symbiosis.
:thumbup:

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