The swollen stem of a Cordia nodosa plant houses a symbiotic colony of Azteca ants. The ants protect the plant from herbivores in exchange for lodging. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Plants and Ants

Images of interactions among ants and plants, two of the most dominant terrestrial organisms.

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The swollen stem of a Cordia nodosa plant houses a symbiotic colony of Azteca ants. The ants protect the plant from herbivores in exchange for lodging.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

A colony of tiny Allomerus octoarticulatus ants inhabits the swollen domatia of a Cordia nodosa understory shrub.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

A Cecropia tree grows into a gap in the Panamanian rainforest. These fast-growing trees house colonies of fierce Azteca ants that protect the tree from herbivores.

Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari Cecropia ants sharing a moment...

Gamboa, Panama

Cecropia trees are common along forest edges and gaps. They are guarded by aggressive Azteca ants.

Gamboa, Panama

A young Azteca isthmica queen cuts into the soft tissue of a Cecropia tree to gain access to the hollow center. The trees welcome such an intrusion: the resident Azteca colony founded by this queen will provide ample protection from herbivores.

Coclé, Panama

The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants.

Gamboa, Panama

The swollen stem of a Cordia nodosa plant houses a symbiotic colony of Azteca ants. The ants protect the plant from herbivores in exchange for lodging.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 3456x5184 |

Current: 400x600 |

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Keywords: cordia boraginaceae mutualism tropical ecology ant plants

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Plants and Ants

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