Ants: Peonies Protectors
Each June, peony buds in northern Illinois draw a steady stream of ants, not to help the flowers bloom, but to take advantage of the sugary secretions on the stems while standing guard against would-be pests.
Plant–insect relationship
Peonies do not require ants to open their blooms; instead, the plants produce nectar-like secretions that attract ants, which in turn help deter insects that might damage developing buds. (Source: In Defense of Plants)
