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| Identifying natural enemies > ants |
| Many ant species may be present in field crops, feeding on seeds or leaf tissue; other species are predaceous.
A unique association exists between ants and aphids, particularly soybean aphids. Ants are often found on soybean plants in infested fields. Many assume the ants are eating the aphids; instead, the ants are actually tending the aphids, protecting them from predators. The ants feed on the sweet honeydew secreted by aphids.
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| This information was developed for the publication Identifying Natural Enemies in Field Crops by Mary Gardiner, Christina DiFonzo, Michael Brewer and Takuji Noma, MSU Extension bulletin E2949. |
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