Scientific name : Atta cephalotes
Distribution area: South and Central America
Difficulty level: 5/5
Queen size : 29 to 30 mm
Worker size : 3 to 16
Soldier size : 18 to 23
Hibernation: none
Recommended nest type : cylinder nest
Diet: leaves
Nest temperature : 22 to 26 degrees
Optimal temperature : 26 degrees
Nest humidity : 95% to 99%
Optimal humidity : 99%
Please note: ensure the correct and stable temperature and humidity!
Atta cephalotes is a special and beautiful species from the subfamily Myrmicinae, because they grow fungi. They cut many different types of leaves which they then feed to the fungi. It is a difficult and especially a challenging species, but once you have created the right conditions and the colony is running well, it could certainly succeed.
Temperature . Keep the nest temperature between 23C and 26C. In the wild, leafcutters are accustomed to an extremely stable temperature that varies around 1C underground all year round. The most important thing, however, is that you measure the temperature where the mold is located. Many people measure the temperature inside the housing and this is never accurate. You will need a thermometer with a probe that you can place in the nest. This is the only accurate way to measure the ants' temperature.
Humidity. The humidity of your nest is critical to the health of the colony. You try to get the relative humidity as close to 100% as possible. Many sources will tell you that anything above 80% is fine. This is not the case. You must also measure this humidity directly where the mold is located. A distance of a few cm can reduce the accuracy of the humidity measurement by many percent. Keep in mind that any cold surface acts as a dehumidifier, converting water vapor in the air back into liquid water. This means that the front viewing glass of your exhibit, which is normally the coldest part of your exhibit, is likely to become covered in condensation that obscures the view. Don't be tempted to lower the humidity to prevent this.
Difficulty
5 / 5
