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 characteristically slice circular patterns in leaves. Here a worker of the South American species Atta sexdens finishes off a cut.
Captive colony at the University of Texas
Leafcutter ants characteristically slice circular patterns in leaves. Here a worker of the South American species Atta sexdens finishes off a cut.
Captive colony at the University of Texas
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 2820x1920 |
Current: 800x545 |
