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Leaf Cutter Ant
Animal's Behavior
The ants forage for leaves some distance from their nest. They find their way home by producing and laying down pheromone trails as they move away from the nest. These pheromones are so powerful that each ant produces one billionth of a gram. One gram of pheromone would easily be enough to make an ant trail all the way around the world.
Eating Habits
Fungus grown by the ants themselves.
Range
Ants live in the forest floor and soil beneath in the warmer regions of Central & South America
Animal Facts
- Leafcutter ants cannot eat leaves. Instead, they carry the cut pieces back to the nest and use it as a compost to cultivate fungus; this fungus is their food. The fungus cannot survive outside the nest or reproduce without the ant’s help.
Scientific Name
Atta sp.
Classification
Animalia, Arthropoda, Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae, Attini, Atta sp.
Place of Birth
Warmer regions of Central and South America, but some occur in the United States
Size
0.125 - 0.5 inches
Color
Red to reddish-orange
Lifespan
3-4 weeks
Conservation Status
Least Concern
