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 |