Atta mexicana


Atta mexicana is a species of leaf-cutter ant, a New World ant of the subfamily Myrmicinae of the genus Atta. This species is from one of the two genera of advanced attines within the tribe Attini.

Description

The queen is approximately 30 mm long, and dark brown. Workers are dark brown, with thorns. Soldiers grow up to 18 mm, and are well-fortified.
The ants cut leaves and grow a basidiomycete fungus called Leucoagaricus gongylophorus with them. Oleic acid is one of their undertaking triggers.

Distribution

A. mexicana is found in Mexico, and crosses into Arizona, United States.
This species is highly adaptive, and thrives in such urban areas as Puerto Vallarta. Densities of A. mexicana nests are very high in numerous areas, including the resort community of Nuevo Vallarta.

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