{"title":"SOUTH AMERICAN ANTS","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiscover \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enocturnal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ediurnal \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eant \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003especies \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efrom \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerica, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eeach \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edisplaying \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efascinating \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erange \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eof \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eunique \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebehaviours. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eremarkable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eleafcutter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eants \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egiant \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebullet \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eants, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eexplore \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ediversity \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eof \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003equeen \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eants \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecolonies \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efrom \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eextraordinary \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003econtinent. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"acromyrmex-octospinosus-rugged-leaf-cutterant","title":"Acromyrmex Octospinosus (Rugged Leaf CutterAnt)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#ffffff;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex octospinosus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Rugged Leafcutter) Ants)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 'New World' species is probably one of the \"celebrity\" species amongst the ant keeping hobby and related fields - often featuring in widespread documentaries on platforms such as National Geographic, BBC and Netflix. The leafcutter ant nest is a highly complex society which is known for its lengthy foraging trails spanning metres through South American jungle and plains predominantly. These ants are brown-orange in colouration and prove to have a highly polymorphic society - from 2mm nurses all the way to 14mm majors with large metallic zinc mandibles, perfect for cutting the soft tissue of plant matter. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf cutter ants as the name indicates, do just that - cut leaves! However, unlike popular belief, the ants don't actually use these leaves to feed themselves and the queen, instead they transport this biological matter deep within the nest chambers in order to present it to their symbiotic nest partner - typically a \u003cem\u003eLeucocoprinus gongylophorus \u003c\/em\u003efungus organism. Here is where the really intricate scientific action happens!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis fungus actually has the ability to degrade the plant cellulose fibres (that's plant tissue to you and me) and turn these into nutrient forms that in exchange, feed the entire ant colony whilst keeping some for its own growth and stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore, when you buy a leafcutter colony you will receive a large enough sample of fungus which will enable them to carry on this mutualistic relationship and continue growing and expanding in your setup. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, nests are often found amongst lowland territories in which shrubs and low lying plant foliage predominates. Additionally, these habitats are usually exposed to wet and dry seasons however, due to the tropical nature, these ants, specifically their fungus has adapted to a very specific temperature and humidity range of 22-25C and 80-95% humidity. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLastly did you know that whilst these ants are leafcutter ants, there are 3 more genera of leaf cutter ants - \u003cem\u003eAtta spp.\/\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eTrachymyrmex spp. \/ Cyphormyrmex spp. \u003c\/em\u003eEssentially making \u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex spp.\u003c\/em\u003e morphologically, an \"inbetween\" of these three  as they do not form gigantic colonies such as \u003cem\u003eAtta cephalotes\u003c\/em\u003e nor do they form such small simplistic, almost non-leafcutter like tribes such as \u003cem\u003eTrachymyrmex turrifex\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are a very active species of ant that is suitable for individuals looking to get into exotic ant species. As long as the temperature and humidity parameters are provisioned for, the ants and fungus should thrive with the right leaf material (privet, soft flowers, bramble, orange peel, grapes, oats, fish flakes). In terms of growth they are quite fast to develop into large colonies. Due to the nature of their natural environment being tropical, these ants are active throughout the entire year, thus not requiring hibernation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: It is normal for the colony to not cut leaves during the first 24-48hrs as during this critical period, they will be preoccupied with assembling the fungus back to its former glory whilst simultaneously, removing any dead (black) fungus. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNormally, no more than 1\/3 of fungus will perish during shipping which is completely fine as long as the right temperature \u0026amp; humidity parameters are in place from the start.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen | 40-50 workers | brood \u0026 golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445077341,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 80-100 workers|brood \u0026 golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445110109,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen| 130-150 workers|brood \u0026 golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445142877,"sku":null,"price":159.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen| 300-500 workers | brood \u0026 large fungus","offer_id":64241445175645,"sku":null,"price":199.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Acromyrmexocto_21.webp?v=1776480261"},{"product_id":"atta-cephalotes-giant-leafcutter-ant","title":"Atta Cephalotes (Giant Leafcutter Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAtta cephalotes\u003c\/em\u003e (Neotropical Giant Leafcutter Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 'New World' Giant species of ant is probably one of the \"celebrity\" species amongst the ant keeping hobby and related fields - often featuring in widespread documentaries on platforms such as National Geographic, BBC and Netflix. The leafcutter ant nest is a highly complex society which is known for its lengthy foraging trails spanning metres through South American jungle and plains predominantly. These ants are brown-orange in colouration and prove to have a highly polymorphic society - from 2mm nurses all the way to 18-20mm majors with large metallic zinc mandibles, perfect for cutting the soft tissue of plant matter. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeaf cutter ants as the name indicates, do just that - cut leaves! However, unlike popular belief, the ants don't actually use these leaves to feed themselves and the queen, instead they transport this biological matter deep within the nest chambers in order to present it to their symbiotic nest partner - typically a \u003cem\u003eLeucocoprinus gongylophorus \u003c\/em\u003efungus organism. Here is where the really intricate scientific action happens!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis fungus actually has the ability to degrade the plant cellulose fibres (that's plant tissue to you and me) and turn these into nutrient forms that in exchange, feed the entire ant colony whilst keeping some for its own growth and stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore, when you buy a leafcutter colony you will receive a large enough sample of fungus which will enable them to carry on this mutualistic relationship and continue growing and expanding in your setup. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, nests are often found amongst lowland territories in which shrubs and low lying plant foliage predominates. Additionally, these habitats are usually exposed to wet and dry seasons however, due to the tropical nature, these ants, specifically their fungus has adapted to a very specific temperature and humidity range of 23-25C and 80-99% humidity. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLastly did you know that whilst these ants are the true giant leafcutter ants, there are 2 more genera of leaf cutter ants - \u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex spp.\u003c\/em\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cem\u003eTrachymyrmex spp. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey are a very active species of ant that is suitable for individuals looking to get into exotic ant species. As long as the temperature and humidity parameters are provisioned for, the ants and fungus should thrive with the right leaf material (privet, soft flowers, bramble, orange peel, grapes, oats, fish flakes). In terms of growth they are very fast to develop into large colonies. Due to the nature of their natural environment being tropical, these ants are active throughout the entire year, thus not requiring hibernation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: It is normal for the colony to not cut leaves during the first 24-48hrs as during this critical period, they will be preoccupied with assembling the fungus back to its former glory whilst simultaneously, removing any dead (black) fungus. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNormally, no more than 1\/3 of fungus will perish during shipping which is completely fine as long as the right temperature \u0026amp; humidity parameters are in place from the start.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen | 40-60 workers \u0026 brood | golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445208413,"sku":null,"price":184.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 70-100 workers \u0026 brood | golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445241181,"sku":null,"price":209.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen | 150-200 workers \u0026 brood | golf ball fungus","offer_id":64241445273949,"sku":null,"price":214.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Attacephalotes1.webp?v=1776480230"},{"product_id":"camponotus-rosariensis-golden-tailed-sugar-ant","title":"Camponotus Rosariensis (Golden Tailed Sugar Ant)","description":"Camponotus rosariensis (Golden Tailed Sugar Ant)","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen, 1-3 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":64241445339485,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen \u0026 brood","offer_id":64241445306717,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Camponotusrosariensis_GoldenTailedSugarAnt_1.webp?v=1776480213"},{"product_id":"acromyrmex-striatus","title":"Acromyrmex Striatus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex striatus\u003c\/em\u003e (Leafcutter ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a species of leaf cutting ant meaning that they cut a variety of leaves and flowers. Interestingly, it's not for the ants own consumption but for their symbiotic fungus! That's right.. ants cultivate their own fungus through this mutualistic relationship and in return, receive the appropiate nutrients from the fungus to feed their developing brood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis colourful ant displays interesting colour morpholgoy due to their yellow bilateral stripes on their gaster and a reddish\/brown thorax unlike your common leafcutter ant of the \u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex\u003c\/em\u003e genus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcromyrmex striatus\u003c\/em\u003e like most other leafcutter ants, are tropical and require specific temperature to thrive, more specifically, so that their \u003cem\u003eLepiotaceae \u003c\/em\u003efungus cultivar can succesfully grow and break down the leaf matter they bring in. Therefore, whilst these ants are relatively easy to keep, it's important to ensure that the setup is controlled to provide a steady temperature of 22-24C and a humidity of 80-95% with the adequate ventilation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike their \u003cem\u003eAtta spp. \u003c\/em\u003ecounterparts, colonies typically don't grow extremely large (into the millions) and usually reach peak maturity after a few thousand individuals, which makes them suitable to your typical home environment, without having to think about space too much.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn summary - a relatively rare, colourful species of leafcutter ant from S.America which is easy to keep once the temperature and humidity parameters can be controlled accurately. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 Queen \u0026 Brood","offer_id":64624643670365,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Acromyrmex.webp?v=1778080355"},{"product_id":"paraponera-clavata-giant-bullet-ant","title":"Paraponera Clavata (Giant Bullet Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParaponera clavata\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Bullet Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe infamous \u003cstrong\u003eBU-LLE-TTTT ANT!\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the most widely recognised species worlwide,\u003cem\u003e Paraponera clavata\u003c\/em\u003e are found in the depths of South \u0026amp; Central American tropical rainforests. Mature colonies are often found nesting at the base of tree roots or large plants although some satellite nests have been found arboreally in the mid-upper layer of the rainforest canopy.  Queens measure an astonishing 28-30mm and workers are not far behind at around the same size; 26-28mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecognised for its powerful sting, \u003cem\u003eParaponera clavata\u003c\/em\u003e rely on this powerful defense mechansim to ward off any potential dangers such as predators or competitors. Despite this fearsome reputation, bullet ants are typically quite shy and docile and rarely sting unless provoked, that being said workers will fearlessly attack live prey such large adult crickets and roaches when foraging. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen disturbed, workers will proactively stridulate which almost makes them sound like birds as they \"squawk\" surprisngly loudly. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhilst large colonies are fairly rare within the hobby we have found that Y-tong or grout based nests are especially suitable for founding young queens, in addition to natural formicariums with a substrate base of sedge peat, decaying leaf litter and loam. In the long term, we find that bioactive setups are best, especially with a deep substrate layer of about 25-30cms which will allow these ants to excavate nests as they would in the wild. Moreover, a range of plants and wood should also be offered, especially those with cavities as the ants will take advantage of these and also build nests within or just below, using them almost as anchorage. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring founding, it is especially important to maintain a high level of humidity between 80-85% and a stable temperature of 25C. Queens are semi claustral and should be fed with small sliced roaches or crickets every 5-7 days in addition to sugar substances. Eggs to worker typically take approximately 2-3 months. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce a colony reaches greater numbers, a temperature gradient between 25-28C should be offered for maximum growth. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is certainly not for the beginner and shoud be considered as difficult to keep. However, it certainly can be considered as the holy grail of ants within the Ant Keeping hobby. Are you ready? \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is \u003cstrong\u003eillegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"1 queen \u0026 eggs","offer_id":64624643735901,"sku":null,"price":429.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen |1-4 workers \u0026 brood","offer_id":66236706488669,"sku":null,"price":479.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/Paraponera.webp?v=1778080204"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/collections\/Paraponera.webp?v=1788365225","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/collections\/south-american-ants.oembed","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}