The other giant leafcutter
Atta cephalotes is the tropical big sister of Atta sexdens. Like her, it cultivates a symbiotic fungus (genus Leucoagaricus) in its underground nest, feeding it with fresh leaf fragments chewed into pulp.
Extreme polymorphism, perhaps even more marked than in sexdens: 7 different castes, from the 2 mm minor (gardener-cultivator) to the 15 mm major (guard-soldier). The majors have frightening mandibles capable of cutting human skin.
Atta = a >100L terrarium, 80-95% humidity, DAILY fresh leaves, constant monitoring of the fungus. If the fungus dies (dehydration, contamination), the whole colony dies with it. A huge investment of time + equipment. Reserved for hyper-committed experts.
The forest civilisation
In the jungle, an A. cephalotes colony can have 500,000 to several million workers and dig underground nests of more than 50 m² with hundreds of chambers. It’s one of the largest known animal civilisations.
It harvests leaves preferentially from certain trees (rosaceae, mulberries, figs). In virgin forest, a colony defoliates trees up to 50 m around the nest in peak season.
A. cephalotes and A. sexdens are very close. A. sexdens is more accessible to keep (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay — more suppliers). A. cephalotes is more demanding on humidity (needs a strict 85-95%) and rarer in captivity. Prefer sexdens if you’re starting out on Atta.
Keeping
Humid tropical forest: 24-28°C, humidity 80-95% (very high). No hibernation. A terrarium ≥100L with an ultrasonic humidifier + controlled ventilation. Fresh leaves daily (rose, raspberry, mulberry). Constant monitoring of the fungus. Total commitment — a lifelong passion species.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is Atta cephalotes?
- Queen: 20-25 — Workers: 2-14 (super-polymorphic).
- How long does a Atta cephalotes queen live?
- A Atta cephalotes queen lives approximately 15-20.
- How does Atta cephalotes found a colony?
- Foundation type: Claustral (carries a fungus garden) — Polygynous: No.
- What does Atta cephalotes eat?
- Diet: Leaves → symbiotic fungus (Leucoagaricus).
- Does Atta cephalotes need a diapause (hibernation)?
- Diapause: No.
- What temperature and humidity does Atta cephalotes require?
- Temperature: 24-28 — Humidity: 75-90.
- How large does a Atta cephalotes colony grow?
- Colony size: 500,000+.
- Is Atta cephalotes suitable for beginners?
- Difficulty level: 5/5 (expert).
Sources & references
Authoritative references for further reading on Atta cephalotes:
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