Ant symbiosis C013 / 7073
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Ant symbiosis C013 / 7073
Ant symbiosis. Close-up of Philidris sp. ants with their larvae (white) inside the leaf of a Malayan urn vine (Dischidia major), with which they form a symbiotic relationship. This Southeast Asian epiphytic vine has inflated hollow leaves, which are used by the ants for nesting. The ants get somewhere safe to raise their young and in return they protect the plant from predatory insects. The plant also gets nutrients from waste products produced by the ants and carbon dioxide from their breath
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9198601
© PATRICK LANDMANN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Animal Behaviour Ants Arthropod Arthropods Dischidia Major Entomological Insects Inside Interior Larva Larvae Larval Life Cycle Life Stage Malayan Urn Vine Nest Nesting Open Plants Reproduction Reproductive South East Asia Southeast Asia Specialised Specialist Symbiont Symbiosis Symbiotic Worker Workers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate symbiotic relationship between Philidris sp. ants and the Malayan urn vine, Dischidia major. The close-up shot reveals a leaf of this epiphytic vine housing white larvae inside its inflated hollow structure. In Southeast Asia, these ants have found a safe haven within the leaves of this unique plant species to raise their young. In return for providing shelter, the ants act as diligent protectors against predatory insects that pose a threat to the vine's survival. The mutual benefits extend beyond mere protection. As waste products from the ants decompose, they serve as valuable nutrients for the plant's growth while also supplying it with carbon dioxide expelled through their breath. Examining this image closely unveils an array of specialized workers tending to multiple larvae in an open setting. The attention to detail showcases both biological intricacies and anatomical features of these fascinating creatures. This photograph not only highlights an extraordinary example of ant symbiosis but also sheds light on various aspects of biology, botany, zoology, entomology, and animal behavior. It serves as a reminder that nature is full of remarkable relationships where different organisms rely on each other for survival and thrive together in harmony.
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