Ants Nectaring On My Ilex Crenata Skypointer...

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Jun 15, 2016

I'm pretty sure they aren't pollinating, I think they are thieving the nectar. If they are doing the plant some good, like protecting it from herbivores then it's all good.

Who knows?

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 15, 2016

They'd be working pretty hard to get from a male-flowered plant to a female-flowered plant to accomplish pollinating in Ilex crenata.

I suspect there is some sugary substance that attracts them, but that's a new one on me.

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Jun 15, 2016

I'm sure they are capable of working that hard, I've heard what they can do with Rubber Trees. ;)

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birder17 Jackson, MO(Zone 6b) Jun 15, 2016

Ha! Like the rubber tree comment. I say that often to me family when they feel over whelmed.

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Jun 16, 2016

Birder, it's a good motivational story. :) I think this might be Monomorium minimum (little black ant), the same prize fighters that protect aphids in exchange for their honeydew.

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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Jun 23, 2016

Farming aphids, good little farmers, grrrr.

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Mipii (Robin) Blissfield, MI(Zone 6a) Jun 24, 2016

I agree Kitt and second that grrr!

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