Mealybug-mutualism
Guides
Formica aerata
grey field ant
Formica aerata, commonly known as the grey field ant, is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is native to western North America and has been studied extensively in California vineyard ecosystems, where it disrupts biological control of mealybugs by tending them for honeydew. The species is active year-round when temperatures exceed 9°C, with peak foraging in spring before mealybug honeydew becomes available.
Tetramorium bicarinatum
ghost ant, bicarinatum-group fierce ant
Tetramorium bicarinatum is a widely distributed ant species native to Southeast Asia that has become established globally as a common tramp species. It is frequently found in human-modified environments including houses, greenhouses, and landscaped areas. The species forms mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects such as mealybugs, particularly tending the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis on agricultural crops. Its venom contains pharmacologically active peptides, including the helix ring peptide Tb11a (bicarinalin), which has attracted research interest for potential biomedical applications.