Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar.  These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar.  These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar.  These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar.  These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar. These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar.  These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
Podomyrma adelaidae tends to a Lycaenid caterpillar. These caterpillars secrete substances that the ants find attractive, and the ants in turn provide protection from parasites.

Poochera, South Australia
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013