On 7/1/13 5:14 PM, David Hare-Scott wrote:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ykqh8ir5tkmi52/2.JPG


What is it?

What is it sitting on?

Is it male or female?

For extra credit: what are the stalks on its behind for?

Prizes will be awarded for the best answers

David


Songbird is correct: It is an aphid.

The stalks on its rear emit a fluid rich in sugars, which ants eat.
Ants will actually stroke the stalks to cause an increase in the fluid.
Ants will also defend aphids agains predators such as ladybugs. In
some cases, ants have even been known to move aphids to locations more
optimal for the aphid to feed.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary