Fungus-growing ants comprise all the known fungus-growing ant species participating in ant–fungus mutualism. They are known for cutting grasses and leaves, carrying them to their colonies' nests, and using them to grow fungus on which they later feed.
Fungus-growing ants
A still-winged fungus-growing alate
An Atta colombica queen surrounded by workers in a fungus garden
Different sizes of Atta insularis workers demonstrating the common polymorphism of higher attines
Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
Ant
Ants fossilised in Baltic amber
Bull ant showing the powerful mandibles and the relatively large compound eyes that provide excellent vision
Ant head