Ants & Mealybugs on Fig

Mealybug infestation on this Cumingii fig (Ficus cumingii). It seems like they attack the base of the fruit where sweet nutrients are pumped into the fruits. They form a mutualistic relationship with ants by providing them with sweet honeydew secretions and in return get security protection from the ants. There are few ant nest built on this fig plant so that they can check on the mealybugs full time.

Ficus cumingii is a common fig species from Philippines which have successfully arrived the east coast of Sabah, Borneo and slowly becoming abundant in the urban areas. This species is unique where it has some leaves that are growing opposite to each other which is unlike all the other fig species. Leaves are are very rough with tiny hard hairs.