M. schumanni live in large clearings in the rainforest, called devil's gardens, where there is little to no bio-diversity compared to the surrounding area.

There are only one to three species of plants found in these areas consisting of Cordia nodosa, Tococa guianensis, Duroia hirsuta or Clidemia heterophylla.

[2] By killing other plants, the lemon ants provide themselves with a nest site, usually residing in D. hirsuta.

[3] Lemon ants get their name from the lemony taste of acids produced as part of a glandular chemical defense system.

[4] When crushed or attacked, citronellal pheromones are created to communicate alarm to nearby individuals, which also produces a citrus odor.