help identify
Posted by tim r on May 2, 2006
Q: I spotted a small, (30 +/-), what looked to be like ants. They were about 5-6 feet off the ground on a limb of a small oak tree. There was a cluster of small brown eggs grouped together near by. The ants? were black with a red abdomen, smooth, not fuzzy like a velvet ant. Any ideas?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Arkansas
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: I can't be sure but when I read your question, an image immediately came to mind. I'm wondering if those "eggs" could actually be aphids. Ants often farm aphids (small insects) on plants. The ants guard the aphids from attack and in return feed on the aphid's extra sweet excretions of honeydew. Take another look and see if this is what's going on. If not, please get back to me and I'll try again.
John Wiessinger ( May 3, 2006)