Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Mutualism

Symbiotic relationship between ants and some of the caterpillars (mostly of Lycaenid family) have evolved over years. As seen in the image the caterpillar secretes sugary substance which is used by ants and in return the ants protect these caterpillars from other predator ants. Though, they seem ineffective on the little mites infesting the caterpillar

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2015
Date Uploaded: 08.2015
Photo Location: Mumbai, India
Camera: NIKON D7100
Copyright: © Sarang Bhand