Ants in Mimosa Trees
The presence of ants in a mimosa tree indicates the presence of other insect pests. Ants are attracted to the sugary secretions known as honeydew left in the wake of other insects. Does this Spark an idea?
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Acizzia jamatonica
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Ants do not typically harm mimosa trees, but rather serve as a bio-indicator of other problems. Acizzia jamatonica is a honeydew-secreting insect that has been recently found (since 2006) on many specimens of mimosa trees. These insects attract numerous other sweet-eating insects such as ants in large numbers.
Other Honeydew Seeking Pests
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Ladybugs are carnivores and often prey on honeydew-secreting insects. Besides ants, a variety of other insects are found on mimosa trees. Insects that are attracted to either the honeydew secretions or the insects themselves include ladybugs, various fly species and various wasps and bees.
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Other Mimosa Pests
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Both arachnids and insects can prey upon mimosa trees. Mimosa trees can host other pests that do not excrete honeydew. Cottony cushion scale, carpenterworms, mites and mimosa webworm are all other common pests in mimosa trees that can cause damage.
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References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Albizia julibrissin 'Alba': 'Alba' Mimosa Tree; Edward F. Gilman, et al,; November 1993
- Georgia Southern University; Ants, Nectar, and Pollination in Ludwidgia...; Alan Harvey; 2009
- Penn State Cooperative Extension; Mimosa Webworm Fact Sheet; Katherine Mazzey, et al.
- University of California UC IPM Online; Albizia, Mimosa, Silk tree---Albizia spp. Family Fabaceae (Pea family); 2009
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
