Post AyV9RPYBy7BiYOBWbY by ranjit@friend.camp
 (DIR) More posts by ranjit@friend.camp
 (DIR) Post #AyV8YWqz79DXHDnywS by ranjit@friend.camp
       2025-09-23T14:54:36Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       Why do ants love to hang out under cosmos flowers? I’ve got lots of cosmos growing in pots on my balcony because it’s easy (and for a Project), and ants spend a lot of time just underneath the flowers. Maybe @futurebird knows these ants and can ask them?
       
 (DIR) Post #AyV8die0hiALIEDAQK by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-09-23T15:01:38Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @ranjit There are two main reasons: they could be collecting pollen and nectar... or they may be farming aphids. Did you see any aphids?
       
 (DIR) Post #AyV9RPYBy7BiYOBWbY by ranjit@friend.camp
       2025-09-23T15:10:33Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird I don't see any aphids, but my eyes are not very good at that scale! From a quick search it seems like cosmos is a particularly good nectar source for bees and butterflies, so maybe the ants appreciate it too. I just never see them on the business end of the flower, only underneath! I grew black eyed peas on the balcony one year, and those vines actually produce nectaries that the ants loved. Couldn't find any reports that cosmos has under-flower nectaries.