Leafcutter Ant Workers (IMAGE)

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Leafcutter Ant Workers

Caption

Leafcutter ant workers carry leaf pieces down into underground nests where they use them as fertilizer for their fungus garden. Ants eat the fungus, not the leaves.

Credit

STRI

Usage Restrictions

Credit: STRI

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.