Ant shepherds with their aphid flock

AAA rated - ants/aphids/alder. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a ranch, just an alder tree in the swamp. On closer examination, you see ants hustling up and down the branches toward wooly white patches on the branches. The ants fuss and preen over the patches of wooly aphids, protecting them and keeping them within little patches. Aphids exude a sweet liquid excrement that the ants find tasty. In exchange, the ants provide protection.

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