ABSTRACT
Generally, myrmecophilic Cecropia trees are well-protected against leaf-cutting ants by their small inhabitants, the Azteca ants. Atta, which consume leaves, rarely invade these tree species. Myrmecophobic Cecropia are not attacked by leaf-cutters and do not harbor Azteca. A toxic substance produced by the Cecropia may repel ants, as in ant-less Acacia.
