A myrmecophile is an organism that lives in association with ants. Myrmecophily literally means ant-loving and refers to mutualistic associations with ants, though in its more general use the term may also refer to commensal or even parasitic.
Myrmecophiles may have various roles in their host ant colony. Many consume waste materials in the nests, such as dead ants, dead larvae, or fungi growing in the nest. Some myrmecophiles, however, feed on the stored food supplies of ants, and a few are predatory on ant eggs, larvae, or pupae. Others benefit the ants by providing a food source for them. Many myrmecophilous relationships are obligate, meaning one or the other participant requires the relationship for survival. Some associations are facultative, benefiting one or both participants but not being necessary to their survival.
An ant tending a lycaenid caterpillar
Myrmecophilous associations are best known in butterflies of the family Lycaenidae. Many lycaenid caterpillars produce nectar by specialized organs and communicate with the ants through sound and vibrations. The association with ants is believed to reduce the parasitisation of the butterfly caterpillars.[1]
There are myrmecophilous beetles in the families Cholevidae, Pselaphidae, Staphylinidae and Ptiliidae. Myrmecophilous associations are also seen in various other insects such as aphids, and hoppers, as well as the hoverfly genus Microdon and several other groups of flies..[2]
Some mites and spiders are also myrmecophilous, particularly some oribatid mites, which have been found to be obligate myrmecophiles.[3][4]
Others myrmecophile groups include
The first major work in cataloguing British myrmecophiles was done by Horace Donisthorpe in his 1927 book The Guests of British Ants.
See also
References
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