The fragility of the saplings and young trees requires a large investment in defense to increase the plants fitness. Cecropia peltata is an ant-plant that associates with ants from the genera Crematogaster or Azteca . Vertical growth is proportional to the surface area of the leaves occurring in the crown of the plant. Research suggests that the majority of the ants which occur in Cecropia peltata are found patrolling the crown of the trees. Furthermore, herbivory appears to be less intense on the top one third of the crown.
Ant accumulation is greatest in the top one third of the crown when herbivory is occurring.
Tachigali myrmecophila is an Amazonian canopy tree inhabited by the stinging ant Psuedomyrmex concolor . The trees are habituated by herbivores. The herbivores can display extensive damage on the trees. Research has indicated the importance of infestation of the mutualist Psuedomyrmex concolor . Tachigali myrmecophila saplings are shade-tolerant, surviving in a suppressed state for several years.