Formicidae-Aphididae interactions: effects on aphid abundance as measured by aphid colony growth, predation, and excess honeydew on leaves of Populus balsamifera L.

Abstract

This study examined how the presence of ants (Formicidae) affected aphid (Aphididae) abundance on Populus balsamifera L. near the experimental carbon dioxide chambers at UMBS (Munro Township, S33, T37N, R3W, Cheboygan County, 45 40'33""N, 84 33'30""W). The effects of ants were measured by aphid colony growth, predation, and excess honeydew on leaves near aphid colonies. Twelve aphid colonies were located. Bags made of netting were placed on six colonies to exclude predators, and Tanglefoot was placed on branches near six colonies to exclude ants. The number of aphids and ants on each colony was counted four times at three day intervals. Ants had a slight negative effect on aphid abundance, there was decreased predation in the presence of ants, and there was higher aphid mortality and excess honeydew in colonies where ants were absent. This showed that ants may regulate aphid populations, protect aphids from predators, and remove potentially harmful honeydew from the aphid colonies.