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Science and Nature

Citrus Psyllids Bribe Ants With Strings Of Candy Poop

See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Get a new perspective on our place in the universe and meet extraordinary new friends. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.

Citrus Psyllids Bribe Ants With Strings Of Candy Poop

Season 9 Episode 17 | 5m 4s | CC

Asian citrus psyllids transmit a disease that can ruin your oranges. Even worse, Argentine ants protect them in exchange for the psyllids' delicate ribbons of sugary poop, called honeydew. So, researchers are helping orange growers fight back with invisible lasers, ghastly wasps and more trickery.

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