Ants: Class Insecta (Insects), Order Hymenoptera (Stinging Insects), Family Formicidae (Ants), Subfamily Formicinae
Aphids: Class Insecta (Insects), Order Hemiptera (True Bugs), Suborder Sternorrhyncha (Plant-parasitic Hemipterans), Superfamily Aphidoidea, Family Aphididae (Aphids)
Ants tend aphids the way humans tend cows. The ants herd the aphids around, care for them, and keep them safe from predators (these ants attacked me while I was photographing the aphids). In exchange, the ants collect sweet "honeydew" from the aphids.
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate. ; Last updated 230812