Central American ants have evolved a living arrangement with a tree. They burrow into the base of the

swollen thorn acacias – by eating the pulp and hollowing out a nest at the same time.

They make their homes in the sharp fleshy spines. Once thus established, the ants feed on the special

protein rich nodules, growing on the tips of the acacia leaves.

The trees are not harmed by the ants and their eating habits. The ants protect the trees from the other

insects, birds and animals.

As soon as the attacker lands on the tree, the patrolling ants sting them and drive them away.