{"product_id":"atta-cephalotes","title":"Atta cephalotes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtta cephalotes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eis one of the largest leafcutter ant species native to South-America. Like other members of the Atta genus, they cultivate fungus using freshly cut vegetation, which serves as the colony’s only food source. Known for their strong caste system and extensive foraging behavior, they are one of the most impressive ant species to observe in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species requires specialized care and large custom setups, making it suitable only for advanced ant keepers with the proper infrastructure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large custom leafcutter setup with separate chambers for fungus, foraging, and waste. Each chamber should have independent climate control to replicate natural conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain 95–99 percent in the fungus chamber and 60–80 percent in the foraging area. Humidity must remain stable at all times to protect the fungus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh, pesticide free leaves and flowers such as bramble, oak, rose, and fruit tree leaves. Other safe plant materials like hibiscus or raspberry leaves can also be provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very active and highly organized. Colonies have distinct worker castes and build large tunnel systems connecting chambers. They continuously forage and cut vegetation to feed their fungus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the fungus chamber at 24–26 °C and the foraging area slightly cooler. Sudden temperature drops or spikes must be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparison of Atta and Acromyrmex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenus:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAtta: True leafcutter ants\u003cbr\u003eAcromyrmex: Also fungus growing ants but generally smaller and spiny\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisual appearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAtta: Smooth thorax or up to four small spines, shiny body, very large queens up to 30 mm, strong caste differences\u003cbr\u003eAcromyrmex: More textured with four to eighteen prominent spines, slightly smaller queens with visible dorsal spines, workers more uniform in size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaptive care requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAtta: Fungus is extremely sensitive and requires stable high humidity. Colonies can reach millions and need large setups with dedicated waste chambers and continuous fresh leaves\u003cbr\u003eAcromyrmex: Fungus is sensitive but slightly easier to manage. Colonies grow large but are more manageable in size and setup\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ilyas Insects","offers":[{"title":"1Q 50-100 workers","offer_id":60343398433102,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1Q 100-200 workers","offer_id":60343398465870,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0889\/1881\/9150\/files\/08c5124d-7604-4fef-9d17-a00275a010e8.jpg?v=1786302908","url":"https:\/\/ilyasinsects.com\/products\/atta-cephalotes","provider":"Ilyas Insects","version":"1.0","type":"link"}