> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cascadepbs.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# These Butt-Tickling Ants Are Endangered Butterfly Bodyguards
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/its-okay-be-smart/specials/these-butt-tickling-ants-are-endangered-butterfly-bodyguards-b7n9nz/
- Published: 2024-04-02T23:16:50.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-20T09:56:15.000Z
- Description: We look at some surprising ways that species use teamwork in order to survive.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: Be Smart, #ZZZ_Show_dc38a6e9-266e-43c1-b647-45e7445fad27, #v1.7, #ZZZ_Special_a14a3ec5-f225-4a1b-885a-825a9637a4a4, #special

We look at some surprising ways that species use teamwork in order to survive. Why is one African tree full of ants? Why are there birds nesting in giraffe armpits? What surprising guard animal keeps an endangered butterfly larva from becoming wasp food? Welcome to the world of mutualisms and animal partnerships.