Ant-aphid farming

Ant-aphid farming is a mutualistic relationship where certain ants protect and tend aphids, small sap-sucking insects, in exchange for honeydew— a sugary liquid they produce. The ants guard the aphids from predators and may even move or "herd" them to better feeding sites. In return, aphids secrete honeydew, which serves as a vital food resource for the ants. This partnership benefits both: ants gain a steady food supply, while aphids receive protection, enhancing their survival and reproduction. It's a cooperative strategy that exemplifies interspecies mutualism in nature.