Bullhorn acacia thorn
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| Common name | Acacia, Bullhorn; Ant, Acacia |
| Scientific name | Acacia; Pseudomyrmex ferrugineus |
| Taxonomic group | Fabaceae; Formicidae |
| Source | Dan L. Perlman |
| Ecosystems | Forests |
| Forests | Tropical dry forest |
| Ecological interactions | Mutualism |
| Mutualism | Ants and plants |
| Behavior | Territorial; Nesting |
| Organisms | Animals |
| Animals | Insects |
| Lessons | Mutualisms |
| Date | June 1985 - August 1985 |
| Location | Costa Rica,North America |
Bullhorn acacia thorn and extra-floral nectary, home and food for Pseudomyrmex ants, Costa Rica. The ants hollow out the thorns, such as the one seen here, for nests.
This is one of the most famous mutualisms of all, the relationship between Pseudomyrmex ants and Acacia trees. The ants defend these small trees against herbivorous insects and vertebrates. The ants also chew away and sting any encroaching plants, clearing an area that may be up to 4 yd (4 m) in radius. In return, the plants give the ants food, such as the yellow Beltian bodies seen here, and nectar from extra-floral nectaries. The Beltian bodies contain proteins and lipids and are produced on the youngest and most delicate leaves. The plants also produce thorns that the ants hollow out for nests.
