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Camponotus floridanus-ants with Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri larva

Camponotus floridanus-ants with Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri larva

A new study finds that larvae of the endangered butterfly Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri, often known as the Miami blue butterfly, survive in greater numbers when protected by Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus), which fend off predators in exchange for the caterpillars’ sugary secretions. Shown here are two Florida carpenter ants tending to a Miami blue butterfly caterpillar. (Photo by Geena M. Hill)

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