Azteca - Cordia

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

Azteca

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. The large ant at center is the queen. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Allomerus octoarticulatus

A colony of tiny Allomerus octoarticulatus ants inhabits the swollen domatia of a Cordia nodosa understory shrub. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Allomerus octoarticulatus

Slicing open a swollen domatia of an Amazonian Cordia ant-plant reveals a young Allomerus colony. Refugio Amazonas, Tambopata, Peru.

Allomerus octoarticulatus

A worker tends to larvae inside a Cordia domatia. Refugio Amazonas, Tambopata, Peru.

Azteca - Cecropia

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 constructor

Trees in the genus Cecropia are protected by colonies of fierce Azteca ants that live in the hollow stems. Armenia, Cayo District, Belize.

Azteca constructor

Splitting open the hollow trunk of a Cecropia tree reveals carton galleries constructed by symbiotic Azteca ants. These galleries are empty, as the colony has moved upwards towards the tips of the branches. Armenia, Cayo District, Belize.

Cecropia sp.

The distinctly umbrella-shaped leaves indicate a Cecropia, a common Neotropical tree of forest gaps and edges that typically houses a colony of aggressive Azteca ants for defense. Armenia, Cayo District, Belize

Azteca alfari

Azteca alfari Cecropia ants sharing a moment... Gamboa, Panama

Azteca constructor

Trees in the genus Cecropia are protected by colonies of fierce Azteca ants that live in the hollow stems. Armenia, Cayo District, Belize.

Azteca - Cecropia

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

Azteca isthmica

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

Azteca isthmica

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

Azteca alfari

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

Azteca alfari

The hollow stem of a Cecropia ant-plant is divided into chambers to house fierce Azteca alfari ants. Inside, the ants raise their brood and tend to mealybugs. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants. Here, a worker drags a larva to safety after the photographer disturbs the nest. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants. Here, a worker carries a larva to safety after the photographer disturbs the nest. Note the mealybugs at lower-left, which the ants tend for honeydew. Gamboa, Panama Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari & Odontomachus

Azteca alfari Cecropia ants guard their tree zealously against intruders. Working together, they surround and immobilize their opponents such as this trap-jaw ant by pinning down their appendages. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

Cecropia ants do not tolerate other species on their host tree. When intruders are encountered, the Azteca patrollers work together to pin them down. Interestingly, the offending insects aren't always killed. This Camponotus was simply dragged to the edge of the plant and dropped. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

Worker ant guarding her Cecropia host tree. Gamboa, Panama

Cecropia food bodies

Food bodies sprout from the base of a Cecropia leaf. These feed the plant's protective Azteca ants. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants. Here, a worker walks across a pile of maturing pupae. Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari

An Azteca alfari worker ant guards the nest entrance. Gamboa, Panama