Pest Library

Characteristics

The leaf cutter ants are amazing insects. They are not like any other types of ants that feed mostly on sugary substances, greasy substances, or meats. But, these ants feed on fungus to survive. They can carry a piece of leaf that is up to fifty times its own body weight, which is like the weight of a van that is carried by a human (if that is even possible). The leaves that they gather will be used to create their fungus garden, which aids in feeding the whole colony.

Their colony is composed of different classes with the queen leading them. Their castes also include workers, soldiers, males and females (queens) that can reproduce. Each individual has their own purpose in the colony and carries out a certain job that depends on their size and caste, which are essential in the creation and maintenance of their fungus nest.

The leaf cutter ants have a rust brown to dull dark brown color. They have an eleven segments of antenna, and they vary greatly in size. Workers are commonly 1/6 to ½ inches long, and the queen is ¾ inches in size.

Habitat

These amazing ants can be found on:
• Landscaped areas
• Lawns
• Golf courses
• Farms and plantations
• Ornamental gardens
• Livestock pastures
• Rainforests
• In forest patches
• Well drained soil or loamy soil
• Roadsides
• Commercial grounds
• Underneath roadways

Behavior

The leaf cutter ants are divided into castes that is based on different functions.

The soldier - As the colony becomes active, the largest workers, which are the soldiers, protect the nest from intruders. They will busily patrol the nest entrances and along the foraging trails so that they can protect the medium-sized workers.
Foragers - The job of the foraging worker will be to carry loads of leaves above their heads, which resembles a parasol that is why they are also known as ‘parasol ants’ because of the way they transport the leaves above their heads.

Smaller workers - Once the foragers come to the nest, the smaller workers will receive the leave fragments and will cut them into smaller pieces. The process will not end there because they will pass their work to the next crew.

Smaller specialist ants - The smaller specialist ants are responsible for chewing and macerating the leaf bits until it becomes a pulpy substrate. These ants are responsible for the final production of the special fungus that becomes the only food source for the whole colony.

Worker specialist - To maintain their nest, the worker specialists will extend the garden while taking care of the queen and her brood that are found in fungal chambers.

Food

Once the workers emerge, they will begin to forage for plant. Unlike other ant species that forage indoors, leaf cutter ants can be found outdoors searching for native plants. These ants will cultivate new leaves, flowers and plant stems, and plant material with a high water content. They are also meticulous and selective about their plant choices, which will lead them to travel long distances just so they can find the plant materials they need.

Life Cycle

During the months of April and May, commonly following rain, male and female reproductives take flight. Virgin queens will abandon their original nest, bringing with them some colony fungus stored in the cavity of their mouthparts. The colony fungus that they have taken will be used to create their own colony garden after mating and once they have already chosen a site. Once the newly mated queen had selected a nesting site, she will then dig in the soil and start her own fungal garden. At which time, she will also rear her first brood that will become eggs, larvae and pupae all by herself.

Other Information and Tips

Although these ants are astonishing creatures, from their hierarchical system up to the creation of their colony, the leaf cutter ants are also known as pests. Since they primarily foliage for plants, they can easily create large underground colonies that are 5 to 14 inch tall and 1 to 1 ½ feet in diameter mounds. These large colonies can dig soil from underneath roadways that can cause structural threat. They can also cause damage to agricultural ecosystem because they remove leaves from a wide range of plant species.

It is difficult to control leaf cutter ants because they are not the same as other ants. They can travel long distance just to find the right plant to cut, and the size of their underground nest makes it more complex. Dust, liquid or granular insecticides may not work at all because they only feed on their cultivated fungus.

However, certain chemical, such as hydramethylnon is used as a bait product to control leaf cutter ants. This can be used by applying the bait according to label directions while the ants are still foraging. Make certain to follow all instructions or safety precautions when applying such baits.

Photo by Adrian Pingstone, via Wikimedia Commons