Farming Ants: Leafcutters and Fungus Growers
Hundreds of ant species live as farmers in the warmer regions of North and South America. These insects- a single evolutionary radiation- cultivate an edible fungus fed with bits of vegetative debris, or in the case of the leafcutter ants, with live vegetation.
Atta texana workers removing soil from an excavation deep in the nest.
Austin, Texas, USA
Atta texana workers removing soil from an excavation deep in the nest.
Austin, Texas, USA
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 3504x2332 |
Current: 800x533 |
