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Foundation and architecture of leaf-cutting ant nests in the genus Atta Fabricius (Hymenoptera:Formicidae).

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Foundation and architecture of leaf-cutting ant nests in the genus Atta Fabricius (Hymenoptera:Formicidae).
Authors: Camargo RS; Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho' - UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Botucatu, SP, Brasil., Forti LC; Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho' - UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Departamento de Proteção Vegetal, Botucatu, SP, Brasil., Nascimento DL; Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho' - UNESP, Departmento de Geologia, Grupo de Pesquisa ICHNOS, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil., Oliveira NC; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Departamento de Agronomia, Lages, SC, Brasil., Zanuncio JC; Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária - BIOAGRO, Departamento de Entomologia, Viçosa, MG, Brasil., Serrão JE; Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Viçosa, MG, Brasil., Moreira AA; Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - UESB, Programa de Pós Gradução em Agronomia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brasil., Matos CAO; Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho' - UNESP, Instituto de Ciências e Engenharia, Itapeva, SP, Brasil., Guilherme FAG; Universidade Federal de Jataí - UFJ, Instituto de Biociências, Ciências Biológicas, Jataí, GO, Brasil., Castellani MA; Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - UESB, Programa de Pós Gradução em Agronomia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brasil.
Source: Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia [Braz J Biol] 2025 Oct 20; Vol. 85, pp. e295961. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Oct 20 (Print Publication: 2025).
Publication Type: Journal Article; Systematic Review; Review
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: International Institute of Ecology Country of Publication: Brazil NLM ID: 101129542 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1678-4375 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 15196984 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Braz J Biol Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: São Carlos, SP [Brazil] : International Institute of Ecology, [2000]-
MeSH Terms: Ants*/physiology , Ants*/classification , Ants*/anatomy & histology , Nesting Behavior*/physiology, Animals ; Social Behavior
Abstract: The present study is a systematic review of the main ecological aspects of nest foundation and the subterranean architecture of established and mature of leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta. The foundation of nests by queens, burrowing behavior, and abiotic factors affecting the success of colonies and nest distribution of these ants are discussed. The excavation of a vertical tunnel and the first chamber made by a single mated queen begin the nest foundation. Internal network of galleries and chambers in a highly complex architecture compose a mature nest of the Atta genus. The size, number, shape and position of the chambers vary with ant species, substrate, nest age and number of workers. The size of chambers is enlarged over time to allow fungus growth. A tunnel system connects chambers and underground part of the nest to the soil surface. The section of the tunnels is, in general, elliptical or circular, allowing workers and soldiers to move during nest excavation, maintenance, and foraging activities. The present review provides a detailed description of one the most complex and specialized subterranean nests of social insects.
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20251022 Date Completed: 20251022 Latest Revision: 20251022
Update Code: 20251023
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.295961
PMID: 41124391
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:The present study is a systematic review of the main ecological aspects of nest foundation and the subterranean architecture of established and mature of leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta. The foundation of nests by queens, burrowing behavior, and abiotic factors affecting the success of colonies and nest distribution of these ants are discussed. The excavation of a vertical tunnel and the first chamber made by a single mated queen begin the nest foundation. Internal network of galleries and chambers in a highly complex architecture compose a mature nest of the Atta genus. The size, number, shape and position of the chambers vary with ant species, substrate, nest age and number of workers. The size of chambers is enlarged over time to allow fungus growth. A tunnel system connects chambers and underground part of the nest to the soil surface. The section of the tunnels is, in general, elliptical or circular, allowing workers and soldiers to move during nest excavation, maintenance, and foraging activities. The present review provides a detailed description of one the most complex and specialized subterranean nests of social insects.
ISSN:1678-4375
DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.295961