Interactions and ecological consequences of interactions between ants and honeydew-producing homopteran
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Key Words：ant,homopteran,interactions,ecological consequences
Abstract： Homopterans are mostly herbivorous pests and some species cause significant economic losses.The relationships between ants,homopterans and honeydew are complex and have a long evolutionary history.By exploiting these relationships it may be possible to selectively prevent or control the establishment of specific homopteran insects on commercially significant plants,thereby improving the economic returns from these crops.We here review ant-homopteran interactions and the consequences of these for arthropod communities and their host plants.We point out limitations of current research,discuss the importance of interactions between ants and homopterans for biological control,biodiversity and ecosystem function and highlight the need for further research on interspecies relationships.