Leafcutter-ants

Guides

• Acromyrmex

  leafcutter ants, Acromyrmex Leaf-cutter Ants

  Acromyrmex is a genus of New World leafcutter ants in the tribe Attini, one of two genera of advanced attines alongside Atta. These ants are obligate fungus-farmers, cultivating symbiotic Leucoagaricus fungi on masticated leaf substrate. Colonies contain up to several million individuals with four worker castes. The genus is distinguished from Atta by four pairs of thoracic spines and a rough exoskeleton. Acromyrmex species are significant herbivores in Neotropical ecosystems and major agricultural pests.

  leafcutter-antsfungus-growing-antsattine-antsagricultural-pestsmutualismNeotropicalsocial-insectsbiomineral-armorant-fungus-mutualismbiological-control-target

• Atta

  Atta Leaf-cutter Ants

  Atta is a genus of New World ants comprising at least 17 known species. These ants are renowned for their sophisticated fungus-growing agriculture, cutting and carrying leaf fragments to underground gardens where they cultivate symbiotic fungi for food. Colonies can attain enormous sizes, with some species hosting millions of workers. The genus represents one of the most ecologically significant and evolutionarily advanced groups of social insects.

  leafcutter-antsfungus-growing-antsagricultural-pestsNew-World-antssocial-insectsmutualismMyrmicinaeAttini