A swollen-thorn Acacia without protective ants is quickly overrun with vines. Armenia, Belize
Pseudomyrmex peperi is an obligate Acacia inhabitant that zealously protects its host from intruding herbivores and aggressive vines. Here, workers cut a tendril that touched their tree. Armenia, Belize
Swollen thorn acacia trees pay their ant guardians with nectar. Here, a Pseudomyrmex peperi worker feeds from a nectary. Cayó District, Belize.
