Atta sexdens

Technical Sheet: Atta sexdens

Common Name: Leafcutter Ant
Scientific Name: Atta sexdens
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Distribution: Central and South America

Main Characteristics

• Size:
  • Queens: 20-22 mm
  • Workers: 6-18 mm (depending on their role within the colony)
  • Soldiers: 15-20 mm
• Color: Reddish brown to dark brown.
• Lifespan:
  • Queens: up to 15 years.
  • Workers: from a few months to 1-2 years depending on their function.

Habitat and Distribution

• They primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests, but can also be found in agricultural areas.
• They prefer soft, well-drained soils to build their nests, which can reach several meters deep.

Behavior

• Leaf cutting: Known for cutting leaves and transporting pieces back to the nest to cultivate fungi, their main food source.
• Highly organized colony: The castes within the colony (workers, soldiers, and queens) perform specific roles.
• Defensive ability: Soldiers have strong jaws to protect the colony from predators.

Care in Captivity

• Temperature: Between 22-28°C.
• Humidity: 70-80% in the fungal chamber.
• Feeding:
  • Fresh leaves (e.g., rose, mulberry, etc.).
  • Pieces of fruit or flowers (avoid citrus and toxic foods).
  • Provide enough material for them to cultivate their fungi.
• Nest:
  • Requires a specialized system with foraging chambers and fungal chambers.
  • The substrate should be kept clean and free from contamination to protect the fungus culture.

Fun Facts

• They are considered “ecosystem engineers” due to their impact on vegetation and organic matter recycling.
• They can carry leaf pieces that are many times heavier than their own body.
• Colonies can reach millions of individuals at their peak.