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Ant and aphids
Jan 1, 2013 14:08:47 #
I watched a program recently on TV showing ants farming aphids after watching it I realised I had seen this in my garden.
Ants keep aphids like humans keep cattle, they use the excrement from the aphids for something but I cant remember what. (But I'm sure someone will remind me..lol)
I took several shots and this was about the best. If they come back this summer I shall use a tripod and my Canon 100 L macro.
Ants keep aphids like humans keep cattle, they use the excrement from the aphids for something but I cant remember what. (But I'm sure someone will remind me..lol)
I took several shots and this was about the best. If they come back this summer I shall use a tripod and my Canon 100 L macro.
Jan 1, 2013 14:16:32 #
Ants are interested in "milking" the sweet honeydew liquid excreted from aphids. Yum!
In return, ants protect aphids from Lady beetles, etc. This relationship is called Trophobiosis.
P.S. - Nice capture! What lens used?
In return, ants protect aphids from Lady beetles, etc. This relationship is called Trophobiosis.
P.S. - Nice capture! What lens used?
Jan 1, 2013 14:43:30 #
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Jan 1, 2013 14:45:14 #
Jan 1, 2013 15:21:41 #
They use it for food and or growing food on depending on the type of ant i believe.
Jan 2, 2013 12:46:37 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Hi Nikonian72, Thanks for the comment. The lens used was the Canon 100L Macro ISM USM f2.8. I have said to you in the past that I am not sure if some shots were on 1:1, the reason for this is I have a tiny home made mini monopod, the base of which I press hard into my stomach or thigh,this little gadget has really helped in my handheld shots, I don't go anywhere without it now. :-) I don't know if there is anything on the market like it, if there is I haven't seen one. Whether the above shot is 1:1 I don't know but it isn't far off..regards ps: thank you also for the information.What lens used?
Closed 8"
When fully extended 18"
Jan 2, 2013 12:52:06 #
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Jan 2, 2013 12:52:56 #
tinusbum wrote:
nice shot,yes we always have aphids here.tom
Thanks Tom
Jan 2, 2013 22:11:01 #
Neat little monopod, I really could use that at times, the little swivel is sweet.
Jan 3, 2013 07:32:05 #
fstop22 wrote:
Neat little monopod, I really could use that at times, the little swivel is sweet.
Hi fstop22 :-) I know it dont look much but believe me it really does make a difference. I dont use it when standing up, only when I am sitting or squatting. The above photo I took while sitting on a very low folding seat with the monopod pushed firmly onto the side of my boot and my elbows resting on my thighs..thanks for replying.. :thumbup:
Jan 3, 2013 07:57:57 #
Robbie7 wrote:
For a while I used my tripod with the legs together like a monopod. It worked great until I got a steady hand. But at times this little guy would really help out. Somedays I just shake form to much coffee or low sugar.Hi fstop22 :-) I know it dont look much but believe me it really does make a difference. I dont use it when standing up, only when I am sitting or squatting. The above photo I took while sitting on a very low folding seat with the monopod pushed firmly onto the side of my boot and my elbows resting on my thighs..thanks for replying.. :thumbup:
Jan 18, 2013 05:10:00 #
Nice image although back ground looks a little noisy( listen me the expert - NOT). I like your idea of the monopod for hand holding. I will try without and with. How do you attract these insects (sugar syrup) and hope they will linger while you take their photos?
Jan 18, 2013 07:59:13 #
macro2009 wrote:
Hello Macro2009 :thumbup: No sugar syrup, only just learned this trick myself from Geff. I would guess that sugar syrup would apply mostly to flying or fast moving creatures? These ants just shepherd the the aphids around like sheep :-) moving from berry to berry keeping them where they want them..These shots are among my very first attempts using my new lens, and I agree about the noise etc. I was also learning pse10 at the same time :-D regardsNice image although back ground looks a little noisy( listen me the expert - NOT). I like your idea of the monopod for hand holding. I will try without and with. How do you attract these insects (sugar syrup) and hope they will linger while you take their photos?
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