Leafcutter ants are a group of tropical ants known for their unique behavior of cutting and collecting leaves. They do not eat the leaves directly; instead, they use them to cultivate a special fungus, which serves as their primary food source. This mutualistic relationship between the ants and the fungus is a remarkable example of cooperation in nature.
These ants live in large colonies, sometimes containing millions of individuals. Each colony has a structured social system, with different castes performing specific roles, such as foragers, soldiers, and workers. Their ability to efficiently harvest and process plant material makes them important contributors to their ecosystems.