Aphids, those tiny little insects that can wreak havoc on our plants, are fascinating creatures with a variety of lifestyles. While many aphids are commonly found on the leaves and stems of plants, there are some that actually live underground. These underground-dwelling aphids have a unique relationship with ants and are entirely dependent on them for survival.
One such example is the Tetraneura ulmi aphid, which has a fascinating host-alternating lifestyle. This aphid species is known to switch between two different host plants – elm trees and grass roots. During the winter months, the Tetraneura ulmi aphids live and feed on the roots of grasses, taking shelter from the cold temperatures. However, when spring arrives, they migrate to elm trees, where they feed on the sap of the leaves and stems. This host-alternating behavior is quite remarkable and allows the aphids to exploit the resources of both the grasses and the elm trees.
But what makes these underground aphids truly unique is their relationship with ants. The Tetraneura ulmi aphids have formed a mutualistic partnership with ants, where the ants tend to and protect the aphids in exchange for the sweet honeydew they produce. The aphids excrete honeydew, a sugary substance, as they feed on plant sap. The ants, in turn, collect and consume this honeydew, providing the aphids with protection from predators and even transporting them between their host plants.
Another example of an underground-dwelling aphid is Forda formicaria. This species also exhibits host-alternating behavior, but instead of grasses and elm trees, it alternates between Pistachio trees and grass roots. During the summer months, Forda formicaria aphids live on the roots of grasses, feeding on their sap. However, when winter approaches, they migrate to Pistachio trees, where they continue to feed on the sap of the leaves and stems.
Similar to the Tetraneura ulmi aphids, Forda formicaria aphids rely on ants for protection and transport. The ants tend to the aphids, ensuring their safety from predators and other threats. In return, the aphids provide the ants with a steady supply of honeydew, which the ants eagerly consume.
In my own experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have come across cases where aphids have infested plants both above and below ground. Dealing with above-ground aphids is relatively straightforward, as they can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or natural predators such as ladybugs. However, when aphids take up residence underground, the situation becomes more complex.
To effectively manage underground aphids, it is crucial to address their symbiotic relationship with ants. Simply targeting the aphids without addressing the ant colonies will likely yield limited results. In some cases, the use of ant baits or insecticides specifically designed for ant control may be necessary. Additionally, creating physical barriers or using sticky traps around the base of plants can help deter ants and disrupt their interaction with the aphids.
While the majority of aphids are commonly found on the above-ground parts of plants, there are indeed some species that live underground. These underground-dwelling aphids have fascinating host-alternating behaviors and form symbiotic relationships with ants. Understanding and managing these relationships is essential for effectively controlling aphid infestations in both above and below-ground environments.
