@datarama

That's Lasius fuliginosus, the carton making jet ant. Really fascinating species.

The ladybird did seem frustrated with the whole ordeal.

I don't think the outlook is good for the aphid as it's injured... ants will snack on the herd... but it's interesting that the ants noticed that the ladybug was eating ... rather than just having a vague instinct to chase away any creature that is on "their" tree near "their" aphids.

@datarama@hachyderm.io @futurebird@sauropods.win That video was absolutely incredible! Thank you for sharing!!

@futurebird Also: Apparently, there's an entomology PhD here who has started a company that provides antkeeper services to fruit orchards. It turns out that ants are great for fruit trees: Not only do they kill most of the insects that actually harm the trees, they also have a gland that produces an antibiotic - which they secrete to protect themselves and each other from infectious disease, but apparently it also protects the trees.

Her company will help fruit growers establish an ant colony, help monitor ant health and provide the ants with supplementary sugar mixture if the local insect population doesn't cover their dietary needs.

That is so cool! :-)