Ant-Insect Interactions

Ant-insect interactions involve relationships between ants and other insects, which can be mutualistic, parasitic, or predatory. In mutualism, ants may protect aphids from predators while feeding on the honeydew they produce. Conversely, some insects may parasitize ants, laying eggs in their colonies. Ants are also known to farm fungi, creating specific environments to cultivate them. These interactions contribute to the ecosystem by influencing population dynamics, nutrient cycling, and even plant health, showcasing the complex interdependence of species within nature.