Atta cephalotes
Hormiga cortadora de hojas
Atta cephalotes
Leafcutter Ant
One of the most fascinating species in the world. They cultivate fungi with fresh leaf cuttings. Extremely complex social system with 4 distinct castes. Require a very large formicarium and specific care.
24–28 °C
80–95%
100,000–8,000,000
Not required
🐌 Slow
Every 1 days
Recommended feeding
Carbohydrates
Proteins
They ONLY eat fresh leaves (not treated with pesticides). Roses, ficus, raspberry, oak, ash. Fed EVERY DAY.
Year-round (peaks in spring and autumn)
After heavy rains in the tropics. Temperature >24°C and very high humidity. Nocturnal flight.
In captivity in Europe the nuptial flight rarely occurs. Queens are enormous (up to 2.5 cm) and carry the founding fungus in a buccal pouch to establish the new colony.
This species produces soldiers (majors) with differentiated morphology.
For very advanced keepers. Requires a multi-chamber formicarium. The fungus is their sustenance — if the fungus dies, the colony dies.
Queen activity by month
Estimated queen fertility (%)
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