Ants on the Flower Buds
July 31, 2008 | Filed Under Ants, Colors, Flowers, Insects, Trumpet Vines, Yellow
From the archives:
What is the name of this flower? Trumpet vine?
Okay. So, sometime ago, I passed by this flower and there were a whole lotta ants crawling on the buds. I clicked away. The photo doesn’t really do it justice but here it is. I didn’t give much thought to the flower or the ants. Until now. Lily Hydrangea of Long Island Daily Photo inspired me to post today’s photo. Very recently, she posted a photo of a trumpet vine with ants crawling on its bud. She asked her readers if they knew what the ants were doing on the flower buds. Her answer? The ants are attracted to scale, which is an oval-shaped bump on the stems of the undersides of the flower leaves. Scale produces a honeydew that the ants like. So, that’s what the ants were doing! Very interesting. Another interesting note is that the ants do not harm the flowers. Thanks Lily Hydrangea. I like to learn something new everyday.
Paz
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15 Responses to “Ants on the Flower Buds”
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VERY INTERESTING!
VERY INTERESTING!
ugh, my computer is doing weird stuff, i don’t know what i hit that posted that twice…but anyway, VERY INTERESTING….i have several flowers that are always covered in ants, i always wondered why, probably something along the same lines.
Hey Paz, What a neat surprise I found tonight opening up your page, thank you for linking me to your site!
I really am amazed at how many ants you captured in your photos. Also, I have never seen trumpet vines that light in color before, very pretty! I learned something new today too.
: )
I have a similar ant photo on Norwich Daily Photo and it sent shivers down my spine as I took the shot! But interesting flowers.
joy
Very fine and interesting photos!
I enjoyed your previous post too.
There are also wonderful orange ones.
They grow very rampantly and are a delight of summer!
Hope you are doing better?
love and good wishes for a great – or at least OK – weekend.
Yes, trumpet vine! And very pretty too…I’ve seen some in a bright orangey-red. These buttery-yellow ones are very lovely! What a great find…Hope you are resting well and will enjoy the weekend ahead, Paz! ((BIG HUGS))
I also know ants love peonies! I think too because of their sweetness and nectar – nice shots!
Christine: LOL! I welcome all comments from you even the ones that are mistakes.
Yeah, probably your flowers have that sweet stuff for the ants, too.
Hi Lily: Thanks for your interesting post. So, these are trumpet vines, huh?
Hi Joy: Should be interesting to see your photo.
Hi Pietro: Thanks so much!
Hi Elizabeth: This is the first time I’m noticing this flower. I’m doing much better, thanks. xxoo
Hi Tracy: Thanks for the name and your good wishes.
Hi Melinda: How interesting.
Thanks for stopping by, all, with your comments.
Paz
I learned something new today.
Beautiful! I didn’t know ants were attracted to scale. Interesting. Makes sense now as I think of my lime tree always covered in ants. And scale…
LOL! Hey there, Ming.
Hey Harriet: I didn’t even know what scale was until the post.
Interesting indeed.
Paz
Paz,
Yes, the same is true for peonies. Interesting indeed, and lovely photos, with and without ants.
I hope you healing well andfeeling better again soon.
Faye
Hi Faye: Thanks! How interesting about the Peonies. I have to look out for them. As long as I take it easy, I feel much better, thanks again.
Paz