Author's Note: I thought the ants were eating the microscopic pests on all the new growth of this little tree, but I've learned something new.
Info from online:
~~ Some ants actually care for and "farm" other insects! Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs suck the sap of plants. These insects can't use all the sugar that they get from the plants, so they excrete "honeydew", which the ants collect to feed the colony. Ants will herd these tiny insects, and even transport them from plant to plant and take the eggs into their colony for the winter. Ants will also defend aphids from insect predators, such as lady beetles and lacewings, by attacking them in large numbers. ~~
These particular ants are a small variety, around 1/4" long, and the smaller bugs look like tiny specks to the naked eye. I had no idea what was there till I loaded the photos and saw them magnified. I was surprised to see about four different types of critters - even larvae - in these "ant ranches".
PLEASE view full to appreciate the variety of livestock! :D