In a quiet desert outpost, a Smithsonian entomologist spotted a curious ritual: large red harvester ants wait for tiny cone ants to climb aboard and groom them, echoing marine cleaner fish.

The interaction, recorded over five days, peaks at sunrise and ends before midday heat. Researchers suggest the cone ants may exchange nutrients or microbes, benefiting both species.

This observation, published in *Ecology and Evolution*, highlights how even simple insects can form complex mutualisms, offering insights into ecological balance and potential biotechnological applications.

Such studies remind investors that biodiversity research can uncover unexpected commercial opportunities, underscoring the value of funding basic science.