Invasive Argentine ants are defending other pests in California's citrus groves and vineyards, troubling farmers and leaving natives hungry

• An invasive species of ants travelled across continents to America and is now defending other insects.
• According to a report by econews, Argentine Ants have been protecting aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies and psyllids against the predators and parasites that would normally keep their population under control.
• This unlikely alliance has turned the ants into a hidden and looming problem for citrus groves, vineyards, nurseries and backyard plants.