The caterpillar of the Ciliate Blue has a close obligate myrmecophilous relationship with the weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina). In the wild, the caterpillars of the Ciliate Blue invariably appear in the company of the weaver ants (primary worker ants). The attending ants are attracted to the lycaenid larvae by the carbohydrate-rich secretions released by the caterpillar, and their presence offer protection to the caterpillar from parasitoids and predators. As with other lycaenid caterpillars, the caterpillar of the Ciliate Blue has pore cupola organs (specialized epidermal glands on its body surface) which can release appeasement substances to suppress the ant aggressiveness towards it.
Source: Article by Horace Tan – Life History of the Ciliate Blue
Special thanks to Mr Foo Jit Leang that let me know about this relationship, he showed me this moment while I met hi during my nature walk with my son at Bukit Panjang Garden.
