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Seeking nourishment a species of Polyrhachis ant imbibes
nectar from an extra-floral nectary, which is a specific site,
usually on the stem that produces nectar. Providing a nectar source
away from the flowers is a strategy evolved by the plant to attract
ants to other parts of the plant. Presence of ants on the plant
deters herbivores from eating the leaves.
Photograph © Simon van
Noort |
