Mutualism. Some acacia trees have hollow thorns that house stinging ants which feed on sugar secreted by nectaries and on protein–rich swellings. The acacia benefits because the ants attack anything that touches the tree. Ants can also be mutualistic with fungi and caterpillars.

Other examples include mycorrhizae , cleaner shrimp and gobies , and Clownfish/Anemone relationships.