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Leafcutter Ant, Atta Ant
Atta sp.
16.9944, -89.0476
Field Notes
Description:
These ants were found scurrying along a 4" wide cleared trail across a path in humid rain forest of the Maya Mt. foothills. While there are are two genera of leaf-cutter, Atta and Acromyrmex, Atta ants have 3 pairs of spines and a smooth exoskeleton on the upper surface of the thorax, while Acromyrmex ants have four pairs and a rough exoskeleton. That surface looks smooth and shiny to me. In the 4th photo one ant is carrying a purple flower petal while others carry tiny white flowers.
Habitat:
You can see their trail crossing the path in #2, and #3 is an ant's-eye view.
Notes:
While the ants can defoliate an entire tree, it usually doesn't kill the tree. An ant village may cover a couple hundred square feet, with numerous holes and mounds.
Reference Links:
Leafcutter ant
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 7, 2016
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