Ecomare

It is not unusual for violets to germinate where an ant's nest stood in previous years. The seeds from the violets contain a sweet appendage which attracts ants. They carry the seed to their nest where they nibble on the outer layer, leaving the seed behind. Violets and pansies are very important for fritillary species found along the coast. The caterpillars of these protected butterflies feed on violets, so that the females lay their eggs on or in the vicinity of violets.