國立自然科學博物館

我們常將螞蟻比喻成牧場的主人，蚜蟲、角蟬等則是牠們飼養的乳牛。自然界中，每種生物都有其生存法則與抵禦天敵的方法，蚜蟲、角蟬與螞蟻形成共榮共利的共生關係。透過微距鏡頭的觀察，螞蟻會用觸鬚輕輕拍打蚜蟲和角蟬，蚜蟲和角蟬受到刺激會分泌蜜露供螞蟻食用。然而螞蟻可不是白吃白喝的，必須擔負起保衛的任務，對抗外來的侵略者並進行驅趕。

The relationship between ants and a community of aphids and treehoppers is just like that of a farmer and his cows. In Nature, each species has its survival strategies for warding off predators. Aphids, treehoppers and ants form a mutual symbiotic system. As observed through a macro lens, an ant uses its antennae to gently pat aphids and treehoppers. When aphids and treehoppers receive this type of stimulation they secrete honeydew, which the ants feed on. In return, the ants provide protection against predators.

劉政宜-螞蟻的牧場1

劉政宜-螞蟻的牧場2

劉政宜-螞蟻的牧場3