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Leaf Cutter Ants in Costa Rica

Leaf Cutter Ants in Costa RicaLeaf cutter ants are found in the tropical climates of Central and South America, and utalize a system of agriculture known as ant-fungus mutualism. The ants eat a chemical produced by the fungus and the fungus can only grow in the enclosures of an ant’s nest. So the ants feed [...]

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Leaf Cutter Ants in Costa Rica

Leaf cutter ants are found in the tropical climates of Central and South America, and utalize a system of agriculture known as ant-fungus mutualism. The ants eat a chemical produced by the fungus and the fungus can only grow in the enclosures of an ant’s nest. So the ants feed the fungus with the pieces of leaves that they cut off of plants, protect the fungus from invasive species and mold, and the fungus provides the ants with food. It is a marvelous arangement for both species, and I find the touch of a smile creeping across my face, as these little ants remind me that the world is alright.

Leaf cutter ants are famous in Costa Rica, and I think I know why- they are everywhere. A walk through the forests reveals these little creatures cutting out little circular holes out of leaves and carrying the spoils along well worn trails to their nests. They are simply fun to watch, they just know what they are doing.

Filed under: Central America, Costa Rica

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3699 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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