Leaf-cutting ants

Definition

Ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex that are known for their practice of cutting leaves, which they use to cultivate fungus gardens.

Etymology

From the Latin 'atta', meaning 'a type of ant', and 'myrmicinae', the subfamily which includes leaf-cutter ants.

Example

Leaf-cutting ants are responsible for clearing large areas of vegetation in tropical forests.

Related Terms

• Atta
• Acromyrmex
• Fungus gardens
• Formicidae

Usage Notes

Leaf-cutting ants are highly social insects and live in complex colonies with intricate communication systems.