Photo: Brad Smith (flickr) The Lycaenids are a group of
butterflies known commonly as blues, coppers and hairstreaks.
Most species of Lycaenid butterflies have evolved close,
mutually- beneficial relationships with different species of
ants. A Special Relationship The caterpillars of these
butterflies develop special glands that secrete a nectar-like
substance to attract ants. The ants swarm all over the
caterpillars, drinking the secretion. The ants “milk” secretions
from the caterpillars by tickling special glands on the
caterpillars with their antennas. In some Australian species,
the attending ants even build thatched or earthen corrals to
contain the caterpillars. By day the caterpillars are protected
from predators by the corral and the ants. At night the ants
herd the caterpillars up a nearby tree to feed on leaves. What
Do The Caterpillars Get Out Of It? The ants are like a private
army of bodyguards. Colonies of ants are quite fierce —
swarming, biting or even consuming potential predators. In fact,