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Image Title: Seeds of Cabralea canjerana (Meliaceae) Rich with Red Lipid Aril is Highly Attractive to Ants, such as the Large Odontomachus chelifer
Image Credit: M. A. Pizo
AJB Editor: Karl Niklas, Cornell University
Intended End User: Teacher, Student
License Details: BSA - Terms for Image Use
Copyright held by: BSA,
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About the Image

Arillate seeds of Cabralea canjerana (Meliaceae) are primarily disperesed by birds in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. However, hundereds of naturally fallen or partially eaten diaspores may be found on the forest floor with bits of aril attached. The red lipid-rich aril is highly attractive to ants, such as the large Odontomachus chelifer (size ~ 2cm). Aril removal by ants greatly facilitates seed germination.

Link to the AJB Abstract for the article:

Interaction between ants and seeds of a nonmyrmecochorous neotropical tree, Cabralea canjerana (meliaceae), in the Atlantic forest of southeast Brazil

National Science Foundation  Development Supported by the National Science Foundation