A liquid mixture of sugars and
other plant-derived chemicals excreted by some species of
insects (especially aphids, scales, mealybugs, whiteflies and
some caterpillars) that is high in sugar content. When these
insects feed on plants, honeydew drips from them onto plant
leaves or onto the ground.
Other insects used honeydew as food, particularly ants of many
species are avid feeders on honeydew, and also some ants will
actually "farm" aphids and protect them against predators and
parasitoids
to protect this energy source.
Honeydew is also an excellent medium for the growth of some
fungi and unconsumed honeydew on plant surfaces promotes growth
of a black fungus called
sooty mould,
which may become so dense that it interferes with metabolism of
the plant. |
Honeidew drops on a plant surface
infested by woolly aphids. |