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 versicolor desert leafcutter ant nest in an urban setting.
Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Acromyrmex versicolor desert leafcutter ant nest in an urban setting.
Green Valley, Arizona, USA
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 3168x4752 |
Current: 400x600 |
