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myrmecology (mander.xyz)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/science_memes@mander.xyz
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[–] 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (4 children)

Except for the part where they breed captive aphids and corral them to and from plants so they can feed, only to lacerate their exoskeletons [eat the ass] and feed on their secretions while keeping them alive to do it again...

Edit: correction

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  • [–] 6 points 3 months ago* (1 child)

    Lacerate their exoskeleton? Do you have a source for that? According to Wikipedia, the honeydew is excreted from the aphids' anus and happens even when the ants aren't involved https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphid#Ant_mutualism

    Edit: I'm not trying to be the guy who yells "SoUrCe!?" whenever presented new information, I'd just like to correct my misunderstanding if I'm wrong but don't want to incorporate misinformation XD

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  • [–] 4 points 3 months ago

    I coulda sworn I've read somewhere that they make a light incision to get to the honeydew, but it could be a false memory. I'm not gonna go looking for where I read that, but I'll accept "they eat ass" as a correct answer.

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