Atta texana

(Buckley, 1860)

Texas Leafcutter Ant, Town Ant, Parasol Ant, Fungus Ant, Cut Ant, Night Ant

texana is a -farming leafcutter and the northernmost in the Atta, distributed across Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico. Colonies are large and polygynous, containing several and up to several million . Foragers harvest leaf material from over 200 species to cultivate symbiotic fungus gardens, making this species a significant agricultural and ornamental pest capable of defoliating a citrus tree within 24 hours.

Atta texana by (c) Blake Bringhurst, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Blake Bringhurst. Used under a CC-BY license.Atta texana by (c) Blake Bringhurst, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Blake Bringhurst. Used under a CC-BY license.Atta texana casent0006046 head 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Atta texana: /ˈæ.tə tɛkˈsɑː.nə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The northernmost ; distinguished from other leafcutter by its geographic range. exhibit with size-based task allocation—larger workers cut tough leaves while smaller workers handle softer vegetation. The species is , with "night ant" reflecting this activity pattern.

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Habitat

Found in central and southern Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern Mexico. Suitable occurs in upland areas; documented to shift to higher elevations following construction and flooding of lowland areas.

Distribution

Texas, Louisiana, and northeastern states of Mexico.

Seasonality

foraging activity. Seasonal foraging patterns documented, with leaf and toughness influencing selection.

Diet

Harvests leaves from over 200 to cultivate symbiotic gardens. Corn is highly palatable and used in foraging studies.

Life Cycle

Colonies contain several (). exhibits size with task allocation based on body size.

Behavior

foraging. cut leaf material and transport it to underground gardens. Foraging subject to historical scientific interest dating to A. R. Wallace. Size-based task : larger workers cut tough leaves efficiently, smaller workers cut soft vegetation efficiently.

Ecological Role

Major engineer through leaf harvesting and . Creates extensive underground nest systems. Can denude vegetation , affecting structure.

Human Relevance

Considered a major pest of agricultural and ornamental plants. Capable of defoliating citrus trees in less than 24 hours. Economic impact on agriculture and landscaping in its range.

Similar Taxa

  • Atta cephalotesOther leafcutter with similar -farming ; distinguished by geographic distribution (tropical Central/South America vs. temperate/subtropical A. texana range).
  • Atta sexdensNeotropical leafcutter with similar and task allocation; E.O. Wilson's studies on worker size in A. sexdens inform understanding of A. texana .

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Sources and further reading