leafcutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex)

Leafcutter ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex are highly organized social insects that cultivate fungi by cutting and collecting leaves. They do not eat the leaves directly but use them to grow fungus, which serves as their primary food source. These ants live in large colonies with specialized roles, including workers, soldiers, and a queen. Their cutting activity significantly impacts their environment by recycling plant material. Adapted for efficiency, leafcutter ants are key ecosystem engineers, demonstrating complex behavior and division of labor, making them some of the most successful and well-studied herbivorous insects.