weaver ants (& scale insects)

Description:

Weaver ants "tending" scale insects. "Weaver ants also have an adverse effect on tree productivity by protecting sap feeding insects such as scale insects and leafhoppers from which they collect honeydew. By protecting these insects from predators they increase their population and increase the damage they cause to trees."

Habitat:

This spotting on a leaf of Heliconia sp. in a large semi-urban yard and garden adjacent to a disturbed patch of remnant forest.

Notes:

This species has increased its presence drastically in the past year and now can be seen on all manner of shrubs and trees, and even herbaceous flowers in my yard & garden (as can be seen in this spotting).