Prey–predator dynamics with adaptive protection mutualism

Prey can ease the burden of exploitation by attracting a third party that interferes with their predators. Such is case for plant-ant or aphid-ant mutualisms, where victim supplies food to ants, while ants attack drive away offenders. Since are adaptive foragers, defense services be altered alternative sources (e.g., other plants, human-supplied resource). This article explores prey-predator-ant system, using model combines predator-prey population dynamics ant optimal foraging, consume prey-supplied resources resources. Feedbacks between prey-predator and foraging leads complex dynamics. For given colony size supply rate resources, prey coexist predators at stable states, along limit cycles. Limit cycles extend scope defensive mutualism beyond point would abandon in favor under equilibrium conditions. These results highlight importance trait-mediated indirect interactions natural mutualistic–antagonistic systems, potential outcomes manipulating baits agriculture.