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Leaf Cutting Ant

Atta cephalotes · genus Atta

Overview

Atta species are recommended for large public exhibits. Found across South and Central America, colonies grow very large — a mature colony can strip as much foliage as a cow eats in a day — and need purpose-built housing. Queens lay thousands of eggs daily, and the foraging trails are the single most photographed behaviour on any zoo insect house.

Care Notes

Requires a warm, humid fungus chamber (23-26°C, as close to 100% relative humidity as possible, never below 80%) and a reliable daily supply of fresh bramble, rose or similar leaves. Measure temperature and humidity directly at the fungus garden with a probe, not just the general enclosure air.

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