Eating habits

[Daubz1977]

Hi all,
Im wondering if a small colony of Atta cephalotes should be cutting leaves every day, Im asking this as mine didnt yesterday but we did have a few new workers eclose yesterday, also mine seem to take a lot of what i have given them but havnt touched sprout leaves or privet which i thought was 2 of there favorites.

[Deansie26]

Morning Daubz, I remember messaging Andrew when I got my first small Acromyrmex colony as they would go days without cutting, mine where in soil so I didn't have the advantage of being able to see them either. I wouldn't worry if they don't cut for a day or two if they have nice looking fungus garden.
Selection wise they will just take what they want/ need they do go off things for a while sometimes.
Jamie

[Daubz1977]

Thanks a lot mate, Dont know why they dont seem to want sproats or privet.

[Acromyrmexbob]

Because there is only a small amount of fungus present the ants can gather enough leaves for a few days of gardening. Its a protection mechanism. When they open up the nest to forage, it is prone to attacks from other predatory ants and not very well defended at the beginning. Pachychondyla cressinoda are the main culprits in Trinidad, a form or very large bullet ant that likes nothing better than an open colony of leaf cutters to attack. So as soon as they can cram enough leaves down below they hurriedly seal the nest to try and remain undetected. Once the fungus garden grows and there are more ants, they become more and more confident until they can just about defend themselves against anyone and they stay open for business 24 hours a day.

[Daubz1977]

Thanks mate

[Deansie26]

That's interesting to know the reason, great stuff.

[Britishants.com]

Very well described Andrew! Some Atta have deformed heads for the very purpose of plugging a hole!

[Acromyrmexbob]

Very well described Andrew! Some Atta have deformed heads for the very purpose of plugging a hole!

Definitely tell me more.....

[Britishants.com]

I think the various drugs I'm taking is starting to take it's toll! I'm mixing up species tonight! here's an article for your delectation.. http://entomologytoday.org/2015/10/06/t ... ory-coast/

[Acromyrmexbob]

Less Caffeine, I think!
Some of my Atta have deformed heads but normally only when I stand on them.