Acacia ants

Acacia ants are a type of cooperative insect that live in and around acacia trees. They form a mutualistic relationship, where the ants protect the tree from herbivores and competing plants by aggressively defending it. In return, the acacia provides the ants with food and shelter—special thorns or hollows and nutritious nectar or food bodies. These ants actively patrol the tree, deter or attack intruders, and even prune away competing plants, helping the acacia thrive. This close relationship benefits both the ants and the tree, showcasing a sophisticated example of mutualism in nature.