Myrmecophilous relationships

Myrmecophilous relationships are interactions between certain organisms and ants, where one benefits from the association. These relationships can be mutualistic, providing advantages to both parties, or parasitic, where only one benefits at the other's expense. For example, some insects or plants live closely with ants to gain protection or assistance in spreading seeds, while ants may receive nectar or shelter. These relationships showcase how species can adapt and evolve complex interactions within ecosystems, often relying heavily on the presence of ants for survival or reproduction.