Honeydew (secretion)

Honeydew (secretion)

Honeydew is a type of sugar-rich sticky liquid, secreted by certain types of insects such as aphids and some scale insects when they feed on plant sap. The insects ingest the sap, which is high in sugar, and excrete the excess in the form of honeydew. This sweet substance is a primary food source for many beneficial insects, including predatory insects and parasitoids, and is also collected by bees, which use it to make a type of honey known as honeydew honey.

Production and Composition

Honeydew is produced by the insects' digestive system after they consume the sap of their host plant. The sap, drawn up through the insect's stylet, is filtered through the gut, and the excess sugars and water are excreted as honeydew. The composition of honeydew can vary depending on the diet of the insect, but it is primarily composed of sucrose, fructose, and glucose. It may also contain traces of amino acids, enzymes, and other organic compounds.

Ecological Role

Honeydew plays a significant role in the ecosystem. It serves as a food source for a variety of insects, including beneficial insects that help control pest populations. Some species of ants, known as honeydew ants, have a mutualistic relationship with honeydew-producing insects, protecting them from predators in exchange for the sweet secretion.

Honeydew also has an impact on the growth and health of plants. It can lead to the growth of sooty mold, a type of fungus that can inhibit photosynthesis in plants. However, it can also serve as a valuable source of nutrients for plants when it falls to the ground and is incorporated into the soil.

Honeydew Honey

Honeydew honey, also known as forest honey, is a type of honey made by bees from the honeydew produced by insects, rather than from flower nectar. This honey has a darker color and a stronger flavor than nectar-based honey. It is highly valued in some cultures for its unique taste and potential health benefits.

See Also

• Aphid
• Scale insect
• Honeydew (melon)
• Honeydew honey