Pictures of Leaf Cutting Ants, Trinidad
Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:37 pm
Some pictures of small colonies from Trinidad.
The small turrets of Atta colonies. These are a development to prevent the fungus being flooded in the rain.
Once you reach the fungus garden.....
it is always necessary to remove loose soil to clean up the fungus before removing.
The fungus is lifted out. I always try to avoid touching the fungus with my hands, with Atta especially. Firstly there is the possibility of a reaction from the ants to the smell on the fungus. Absolutely never touch the queen. I have seen workers cut up a queen after I held her in my hand. The other reason is Atta, especially bigger nests, can hurt!
The small turrets of Atta colonies. These are a development to prevent the fungus being flooded in the rain.
Once you reach the fungus garden.....
it is always necessary to remove loose soil to clean up the fungus before removing.
The fungus is lifted out. I always try to avoid touching the fungus with my hands, with Atta especially. Firstly there is the possibility of a reaction from the ants to the smell on the fungus. Absolutely never touch the queen. I have seen workers cut up a queen after I held her in my hand. The other reason is Atta, especially bigger nests, can hurt!
