"Honeydew", of course, is sap from evergreen trees!"

This was my statement, and last night I realized that I said it completely
wrong!

I should have said 'Honeydew, of course, is produced by aphids who feed on
evergreens.'  That is right, the aphids do not collect it...they produce it.
Some species of ants even transport aphids to likely places, protect the
ants from predators, and 'milk' the aphids for the honeydew!

In Europe it is said that honeydew is a major fall crop for honeybees and is
harvested from pine, spruce, and fir trees.  Presumably, connoisseurs can
different the taste and the highest prices are paid for honeydew collected
from firs.

I understand that the bees collect the honeydew from the needles, where it
falls after being processed by the aphids.  A search of the Bee-L archives,
www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L , will return many hits including some reports
of honeydew being collected in the US from oaks and maple.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturers of Ross Rounds Comb
Honey Equipment, Sundance Pollen Traps
and Custom Printer of Sundance Labels.

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