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False-colour SEM of black garden ant
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False-colour SEM of black garden ant
False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the black garden ant, Lasius niger. The species lives under flat garden stones, & feeds on caterpillars, earwigs, woodlice & other ants. It has a close relationship with Aphis fabae, the broad bean aphid, which it strokes with its antennae to make the aphid emit a drop of honeydew, nourishment for the ant. In return, the ant protects the aphid by removing eggs of predators such as ladybirds & lacewings. It is a formicine ant, which means that it squirts a jet of corrosive formic acid at attackers. The specimen is an infertile female worker. Magnification: x10 at 35mm size. Gold tint. Reference: MICROCOSMOS, figure 3.21, page 54
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Media ID 6461018
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black Garden Ant Insecta Lasius Niger False Coloured Milker
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This print showcases the intricate world of the black garden ant, Lasius niger. Through a false-colour scanning electron micrograph, we are granted a glimpse into the fascinating life of this species. Found beneath flat garden stones, these ants have developed a close relationship with Aphis fabae, commonly known as the broad bean aphid. In an extraordinary display of symbiosis, the black garden ant delicately strokes the aphid with its antennae, coaxing it to release droplets of honeydew - a vital source of nourishment for the ant. In return for this sweet reward, the diligent ant acts as a guardian for its aphid companion by diligently removing eggs laid by predators such as ladybirds and lacewings. As a formicine ant, this species possesses an impressive defense mechanism: squirting corrosive formic acid at attackers when threatened. The specimen captured in this image is an infertile female worker and has been magnified ten times at 35mm size to reveal stunning details that would otherwise go unnoticed. With its golden tint adding an ethereal touch to this already mesmerizing scene, Science Photo Library presents us with another remarkable exhibit from their renowned collection titled "MICROCOSMOS". This photograph not only highlights nature's intricacies but also serves as a reminder of how delicate ecosystems can thrive through mutually beneficial relationships between different organisms.
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