 The plant in addition is protected, to some extent, from predation, especially by grazing invertebrates such as slugs.These plants also have a built in defense against climbing animals; even a slight tap or brush against the outside of an inhabited plant causes ants to come spilling out.Most species of ants that live within "Myrmecodia" species have no sting however, but the rush of ants combined with many small bites is enough to startle and warn any potential predator.