A Beltian body is a detachable tip found on the pinnules of some species of Acacia and closely related genera. Beltian bodies, named after Thomas Belt, are rich in lipids, sugars and proteins and often red to yellow in colour. They are believed to have evolved in a symbiotic relationship with ants. The ants live inside special plant structures (domatia) or near the plant and keep away herbivores. Other ant-mutualism related plant structures include Beccarian, Mullerian and pearl bodies. Unique among spiders for its predominantly herbivorous diet, Bagheera kiplingi feeds almost exclusively on Beltian bodies.
See also Plant defence against herbivory Elaiosome Extrafloral nectaries
References
External links Armstrong, W.P. "Central American Swollen-Thorn Acacias". Archived from the original on 11 January 2010.