Taxa
Atta
Genus
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Atta is a genus of ants, family Formicidae, subfamily Myrmicinae, tribe Attini, commonly known as leafcutter ants, a name also shared with the genus Acromyrmex, comprising 17 species with the type species Atta cephalotes. Found in South America, Central America, southern North America and the Caribbean, worker ants of this genus collect plant material to feed a symbiotic fungus grown in underground chambers, which the colony then consumes as its food source. Atta ants do not sting but are known to be strong biters.
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