Atta cephalotes

E84376

Atta cephalotes is a species of leafcutter ant known for its complex social organization and large underground fungus-farming colonies in the Neotropics.

Jump to: Statements Referenced by

Statements (60)

Predicate Object
instanceOf leafcutter ant
species of ant
activityPattern mainly nocturnal foraging in many populations
authority Linnaeus, 1758
belongsToGuild leafcutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex)
binomialName Atta cephalotes self-link
class Insecta
climatePreference warm humid climates
colonySize up to several million individuals
colonyType eusocial colony
commonName leafcutter ant
communication pheromone trails
defenseMechanism soldier ants with large mandibles
diet cultivated fungus
plant material used as substrate for fungus
distribution savannas in the Neotropics
tropical rainforests
ecologicalRole ecosystem engineer
herbivore
family Formicidae
foragingBehavior cuts leaves and plant fragments
forms long foraging columns
foundInHabitat disturbed habitats in the Neotropics
forest edges
genus Atta
hasCaste major workers
males
media workers
minor workers
queen
soldiers
impactOnHumans agricultural pest
impactOnVegetation defoliation of host plants
kingdom Animalia
knownFor complex social organization
fungus farming
leaf cutting behavior
nativeTo Central America
Neotropical realm
surface form: Neotropics

South America
nestFeature extensive tunnel system
multiple entrances
multiple fungus gardens
nestType large underground nest
order Hymenoptera
phylum Arthropoda
queenLifespan can live many years
reproduction nuptial flights
reproductiveCastes males
queen
socialStructure caste system
soilPreference well-drained soils for nesting
subfamily Myrmicinae
symbiosisWith cultivated basidiomycete fungus
taxonRank species
tribe Attini
workerCastes major workers
media workers
minor workers
workerPolymorphism strongly polymorphic workers

Referenced by (3)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Atta cephalotes binomialName Atta cephalotes self-link
Formicidae containsSpecies Atta cephalotes
Myrmicinae notableSpecies Atta cephalotes