Acromyrmex
is the more diverse of the two leafcutting ant genera (the other is Atta). These distinctive spiny insects cut fresh vegetation to feed to a specialized fungus that grows only in ant nests. The fungus serves as the ants' food source and in return is cultivated and dispersed by the ants. Like all fungus-growing ants, Acromyrmex is found only in the new world tropics and subtropics.
Acromyrmex echinatior leafcutter worker with Actinomyces bacteria on its chest. The bacteria are thought to produce antibiotics protecting the ants' fungus garden from infection.
Panama; Laboratory colony at the University of Wisconsin at Madison
Acromyrmex echinatior leafcutter worker with Actinomyces bacteria on its chest. The bacteria are thought to produce antibiotics protecting the ants' fungus garden from infection.
Panama; Laboratory colony at the University of Wisconsin at Madison
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 4196x2904 |
Current: 800x554 |
