Stories
Ants, Plants, and Bodyguards
Here in the rainforests of Tambopata, we see many interesting relationships between different organisms. Some are just smaller than others.
If you think about it, nectar is typically pollinator bait- it draws insects like butterflies, beetles, and flies into the flower to drink, covering them in pollen, and helping the plant reproduce. However, pollination is not the only role that insects can play for plants- they can also be protectors.
What you are glimpsing above is an ant drinking out of an extra-floral nectary (EFN). An EFN is a fancy term for a source of nectar that lies outside the flower. These EFNs are typically located near the base of a leaf, or along an outer branch. Thus, any ant aiming to drink from it has to walk all the way up the entirety of the plant.
Camponotus femoratus ant feeding on an Inga extrafloral nectary. The plant provides the sugar, the ant provides the protection. Photo by Phil Torres
So why have an EFN? Over millions of years, a relationship can form between these ants and plants: the plants provide the nectar, and the ants provide protection. This nectar is even anti-diet specific, containing more sugar, and less amino acids, so they can have the energy to take down any herbivore that happens to attempt to feed on this plant.
The image shows an Inga sp. plant, however other plants can have relationships with ants that are even more complex than this. Some plants provide homes for them, some ants tend honeydew-producing aphid ‘cattle’ on the plants, and some plants even reabsorb and ‘eat’ the anta’ feces!
The ant in the image is only 3mm long. The well it is drinking out of, only about 1mm wide. Size clearly doesn’t matter when it comes to interesting behavior.
See more posts by biologist Phil Torres at www.TheRevScience.com
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What our guest say
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- Valuation Excellent
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Nancy Hodgson March 2026
Lesly Lagos March 2026
Batya K. February 2026
S. K. February 2026
Julian S January 2026
Flora Warfel January 2026
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Laura Franklin December 2025
Lee Wozencroft December 2025
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AMJNZ November 2025
This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all
We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all
I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all
Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all
If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all
If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all
This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all
I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all
An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all
The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all
We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all
Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all
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