Atta
is the most conspicuous leaf-cutting ant of the new world tropics and subtropics. These large, spiny insects are farmers- they use freshly cut vegetation to cultivate a fungus in subterranean gardens. Colonies are among the most complex insect societies known: nests can persist for decades and contain over a million individuals.
Leafcutter ants make characteristic circular cuts. Here an ant completes the curve. (Atta cephalotes)
Captive colony at the University of Texas
Leafcutter ants make characteristic circular cuts. Here an ant completes the curve. (Atta cephalotes)
Captive colony at the University of Texas
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 2862x1908 |
Current: 800x534 |
