Ant Ranch

On a recent hike in the Colorado high country, we came across this active ant ranch.  The little insects are aphids munching on the plant, the ants are herding and protecting them.  While out on a routine patrol of the herd, this ant is receiving it's paycheck.  Aphid poop, essentially sugar water sometimes referred to as "honeydew", is the currency on this ranch.  You can see that the ant is using an antenna to comb the drop from the backside of the aphid.  Nature is a fantastic place!