- Scientific name
- Atta cephalotes
- Common name
- Hairy-headed leafcutter ant
- Origin
- Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil
- Difficulty
- Advanced level
- Worker ant size
- Varies by caste: from about 3 mm (smallest workers) to roughly 16–20 mm (largest workers)
- Queens
- One queen (monogynous)
- Temperature
- 24–26 °C
- Winter rest
- Not required
The hairy-headed leafcutter ant grows a fungus garden and is one of the most fascinating colonies you can keep. The species page has the full profile: Atta cephalotes. The group guide, leafcutter ant care, explains the biology.
Checklist
- Temperature: about 24–26 °C, measured at the fungus with a probe.
- Humidity: very high. Ant-keeping sources give figures from 60–80 up to 95–99 percent, so measure and adjust.
- Air exchange: ventilation without drying out the nest, because the fungus produces carbon dioxide.
- Containers: several connected containers: a fungus chamber, a waste chamber and a foraging area.
- Food for the fungus: fresh leaves and soft plant material from untreated plants.
- Containment: a secure lid and a smooth barrier.
- No winter rest: the colony is active all year.
Colony stages
A queen founds the colony with a small piece of fungus, and growth is slow at first. Once enough workers can harvest and tend the fungus, growth accelerates. Ant-keeping sources report that egg to adult takes about 6 to 10 weeks, depending on temperature. A mature colony in nature holds up to millions of workers (about 5 million is reported).
Workers
Workers vary from about 3 mm (the smallest) to roughly 16–20 mm (the largest). The queen is about 29–30 mm.
Who it suits
Ant-keeping sources rate it Advanced to Expert. It suits an experienced ant keeper who enjoys a long project.
Rules for keeping or importing leafcutter ants differ between countries. Please ask ANTELYX about your destination before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How much space will I need?
The colony starts small, but it should be able to expand into larger containers as it grows.
Can I feed the ants directly?
No. Feed the leaves to the fungus. The ants eat the fungus.
Do I need to feed protein?
No. The fungus is the main food of the colony.
Interested in Atta cephalotes?
See the species profile, check availability or ask us a question before you decide. You never have to go through checkout to ask.