A mutualism without honeydew: what benefits for Melissotarsus emeryi ants and armored scale insects (Diaspididae)?
Mutualisms between ants and sap-sucking insects generally involve clear benefits for both partners: the ants provide protection in exchange for honeydew. However, a single ant genus associates with armoured scale insects (Diaspididae) that do not excrete honeydew. We studied three colonies of Meliss...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
PeerJ Inc.
2017-07-01
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Series: | PeerJ |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://peerj.com/articles/3599.pdf |