Atta laevigata is the largest of the leafcutter ants.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Atta laevigata is recognizeable by the giant shiny head of the soldiers.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of an Atta laevigata leafcutter ant soldier.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013