Data from: Host-plant dissections reveal contrasting distributions of Crematogaster ants and their symbionts in two myrmecophytic Macaranga species

1. Ant–plant mutualisms are among the most widespread and ecologically
important insect–plant interactions in the tropics. The multitrophic
mutualism involving Macaranga plants (Euphorbiaceae) and Crematogaster
ants (Formicidae) is the most diverse in Southeast Asia. This interaction
also includes trophobiotic scale insects (Coccidae) and nematodes
inhabiting ant refuse piles. 2. Here we compared two myrmecophytic
systems, Macaranga trachyphylla with Crematogaster captiosa (Mt+Cc) and M.
beccariana with C. decamera (Mb+Cd), using a fine-scale dissection of the
stems. For the two plant species, for each internode we recorded both
contents (ants, coccids, refuse piles) and structure (internode height,
numbers of open and occluded ant holes). 3. There were significant
patterns in the vertical distribution of ant colonies and their symbionts
in the plant stems. Most coccids were kept in the highest sections of both
systems, although Mb+Cd hosted a broader range of coccid species than
Mt+Cc. Three nematode species were recorded, but with a rather low
specificity to plant or ant species. Furthermore, the fine-scale
distribution showed aggregation of closed holes with ant brood and
separation of nematode-infested refuse piles from eggs. 4. Our study
indicates that ants manipulate spatial colony structure via distribution
of brood, holes and the symbionts. We suggest that ants optimise the
location of refuse piles and occluded holes via spatial heterogeneity in
their distribution among internodes. We discuss the protective role of
occluded holes and demonstrate rather general interactions with other
symbiotic fauna.