Trachymyrmex
is a fungus-growing ant intermediate in behavior and morphology between the smaller attines (such as
Cyphomyrmex) and the leaf-cutting genera
Atta and
Acromyrmex. They feed on a subterranean fungus that they cultivate with bits of plant debris and other detritus. Like the other fungus-growers,
Trachymyrmex is found only in the Americas.
Trachymyrmex arizonensis foundress queen in her incipient fungus garden. Notice the fine white hyphae of the mutualistic fungus as it grows over the substrate of vegetative debris she has provided for it.
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Trachymyrmex arizonensis foundress queen in her incipient fungus garden. Notice the fine white hyphae of the mutualistic fungus as it grows over the substrate of vegetative debris she has provided for it.
Tucson, Arizona, USA
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