Do Ants and Aphids Have a Mutualistic Relationship?

Several species of ants have a special symbiotic relationship with aphids- they farm them! ... In return they are allowed to 'milk' the aphids- stroking the aphids with their antennae, coaxing them to secrete their honeydew which is then lapped up by the ant.

How are ants and aphids mutualism?

Ants and aphids have a symbiotic relationship. ... The ants provide protection from any predators that might go after the aphids. The aphids, in return, provide food for the ants. All aphids excrete a waste product called honeydew.

What type of symbiotic relationship do the ants and aphids have?

These relationships are mainly mutualistic. An example of this type of relationship is between aphids and several ant species. The aphids provide honeydew to the ants while the ants will take the aphids into their nests at night to protect them from predators and escort them back to a plant the next morning.