Blue butterfly

Lycaenidae butterflies, often known as blues, hairstreaks, and coppers, are known to have a range of intriguing interactions with ants. The majority of the host plants' leaves, flowers, and seeds are consumed by lycaenid butterfly caterpillars. Additionally, they contain unique glands that produce delicious juice. Just like they do with the honeydew of aphids or scale insects, the ants are drawn to the glands and feed on the secretions. By disguising its larvae with the ant's scent, this stunning butterfly lures ants to it. By doing this, the blue butterfly tricks ants into thinking the offspring is their own. As a result, the ants take it to their nests to take care of it. The larvae imitate the queen ant's scent and voice, and the colony treats them like royalty as a result.

The ants effectively feed the larvae, which allows them to develop swiftly. For up to 11 months, these blue butterflies spend their time in ant nests. They continue to consume ants throughout this phase. Finally, they kill and consume a great number of ants.

Some caterpillars have additional glands that secrete compounds to further confuse and placate the ants. The glands on the caterpillar of the delicate Danish Alcon blue butterfly (Maculinea Alcon) trick foraging worker ants into carrying the caterpillar back to the nest. The guard ants relax nearby as the caterpillar kills and consumes ant larvae after it has entered. In reality, the ants feed and care for the pink caterpillar thinking it is one of their own larvae. The caterpillar eventually changes into a pupa, but it stays underground where the ants can keep it safe. The butterfly must swiftly leave the anthill before it is detected since ants will not attack it until it emerges as an adult butterfly.