Atta sexdens

Atta sexdens, commonly known as the leafcutter ant, is a species native to Central and South America. These ants are known for their complex social colonies and their unique behavior of cutting and gathering fresh leaves, which they don’t eat directly. Instead, they use the leaves to cultivate fungal gardens that serve as their primary food source. They are highly organized, with different castes such as workers, soldiers, and a queen, all working together efficiently. These ants play a vital ecological role by impacting plant life and recycling organic material, but they can also be considered pests when they damage crops or vegetation.