Supercolony: Atta cephalotes – Leafcutter ants

Description

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING DELIVERY:

• These larger colonies, which are more delicate to ship, are not covered by our healthy delivery guarantee.
• We recommend free local pickup in Grenoble or delivery by us in an air-conditioned vehicle (0.60 EUR/km round trip)

Available on request: giant colonies of up to 5000 workers, ideal for incredible observations from the start, for individuals and professionals (zoos, museums etc).

 

Information regarding the certificate of competence: 

• Recent legislative changes in France appear to require individuals to apply for a certificate of competence for breeding Atta (Acromyrmex are not affected).

 

Atta cephalotes, like all leafcutter is capable of cutting down plants and nourishing a symbiotic fungus that it cultivates itself by creating a living structure from the cut leaves. It ensures ventilation and controls CO2 levels using the substrate, produces antibiotics , and harvests the nutritious parts of the fungus. This garden ant invented agriculture 120 million years ago and allows you to observe this incredible cycle… It feeds on all kinds of leaves and plants, including chilled brambles and cabbage in winter, among other vegetation.

These colonies have been stabilized under suitable conditions. We reserve the right to keep the colonies for a certain period before handing them over to you to ensure their optimal growth and vitality. We provide a high-quality service to give you every chance of success in your breeding program.

Are you fascinated by this species? We recommend scheduling a phone call to receive our best breeding advice, help you choose the right equipment, and arrange delivery. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information. This species is easier to keep than you might think, provided you carefully follow the instructions.

 

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The Fourmiculture Charter on this exotic species:

1/ Health demonstrated by the queen laying eggs and the presence of brood upon shipment, guaranteed parasite-free, healthy and growing fungus.
2/ No "boost" (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster; the queen has been raised since swarming).
3/ NO SHIPPING via standard transport = no risk of loss. Delivery by us in Isère, click and collect, or private transport.
4/ Free breeding guide and health record provided.
5/ Buyback of your colony up to €30 if you wish to sell it (see conditions).

Optional 3-Month Success Guarantee:
For those seeking complete peace of mind, we offer a 3-month Success Guarantee that allows you to receive a new colony at no cost should your colony die within 3 months of delivery, no questions asked, regardless of the reason for the loss!
Conditions: Shipping is free within mainland France only, and an identical colony will be sent, subject to availability. The loss must be proven by a clear photograph within 90 days of delivery.

Latin name:		Atta cephalotes
Common name:		Leafcutter ant, fungus-growing ant
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Myrmicinae Genus: Attini
Difficulty:		(3) Recommended for experienced breeders due to the specific requirements for humidity, feed, and equipment
Distribution :		South America
Natural habitat:		Tropical rainforest, humid subsoil
Number of queens:		monogynous
Description of Queen		Size: 30mm Color: Brown
Female workers:		Size: 3-16mm Color: Reddish brown
Soldiers:		18-23mm, powerful bite
Males:		Winged, smaller
Food :		It feeds on a symbiotic fungus that the ants cultivate from plants, fruits, and flowers. Possible food sources include: brambles, strawberries, roses, linden, oak leaves, chestnut, Virginia creeper, as well as apples, oranges, bananas, fresh or dried grapes, oatmeal, red cabbage, and washed vegetables. It is recommended to moisten the leaves before feeding. Do not use staghorn sumac leaves as they are toxic to the fungus.
Air humidity:		Foraging area: 40-70% Nest: 99% essential, never below 85-90%. Waste chamber: as dry as possible.
Temperature:		Stable from 23 to 24°C.
Diapause:		None.
Type of natural nest:		Huge underground nests with mushroom chambers connected by long tunnels sometimes reaching depths of 8m.
Types of artificial nest:		Glass or acrylic kit suitable in terms of size (minimum 20cm) and ventilation. Required: 1x nest + 1x foraging area + 1x waste disposal area.
Nest size:		A minimum of 20cm per mushroom chamber; increase the number of chambers as the colony grows. It's possible to keep the colony at a manageable size, but it can also grow enormous and fill entire aquariums.
Substrate:		Potting soil, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, humus, etc. Helps maintain more stable humidity.
Plants:		– No planting, it devours vegetation on branches
Decoration:		– Keep the nest clean and healthy.
Summary :		Atta sexdens is a species extremely similar to Atta cephalotes (with a slight difference in color), and is very widespread in South America. Often considered a pest by farmers, it is frequently eliminated intentionally, but it will be a boon to passionate breeders.
Growth :		Swarming occurs during the rainy season. Foundation: Claustral, the queen carries a piece of fungus in her cuticle and founds her colony alone by cultivating the fungus. The queen can live for 15 years and the colony can number 8 million individuals.
Quantity for sale:		1 queen + fungus (mushroom) + first workers + brood in a foundation box
Contact :		Email , messaging, Facebook (chat messenger) and telephone.

 

Photo: Antstore©