Fungal-cultivation
Guides
Attina
Fungus-growing Ants
Attina is a subtribe of fungus-growing ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising all known ant species that participate in obligate ant-fungus mutualism. These ants cultivate fungi as their sole food source, with leafcutter ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) being the most well-known members. The subtribe is sister to Dacetina and represents one of only two known groups of organisms (along with humans) that practice agriculture. Attina ants are native to the New World tropics and subtropics, where they play significant roles in nutrient cycling and soil modification.
Euplatypus parallelus
Common Ambrosia Beetle
Euplatypus parallelus is a polyphagous ambrosia beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae. Native to Central and South America, it has spread invasively to Africa, tropical Asia, and other regions, likely via timber trade. Adults bore galleries into tree trunks and cultivate symbiotic fungi for food, causing wood staining and economic damage in forest plantations. The species is attracted to ethanol and plant volatiles, with flight activity strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation.
Mycetomoellerius jamaicensis
Jamaican Fungus-farming Ant
Mycetomoellerius jamaicensis is a fungus-farming ant in the tribe Attini, known for cultivating symbiotic fungi as a food source. The species belongs to a genus historically classified under Trachymyrmex but recently recognized as distinct based on molecular and morphological evidence. As with other attine ants, colonies maintain fungal gardens within nests. The species has been documented in the conterminous United States with observations concentrated in the southeastern region.
Xyloterinus politus
Polished Bark Beetle
Xyloterinus politus is a North American ambrosia beetle in the family Curculionidae, historically placed in Scolytidae. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Xyloterinus. The species exhibits obligate mutualism with cultivated fungi, excavating galleries in hardwood and softwood trees where it grows and feeds on ambrosial fungi rather than wood tissue. Females initiate gallery construction and maintain fungal gardens; males do not excavate galleries and are excluded from active attacks. The beetle overwinters as an adult in old galleries and cradles.