Leafcutter ant

Taxonomic position: Acromyrmex crassispinus belongs to the order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae. They are specialized leafcutting ants, known for their complex social structure and symbiotic relationship with fungi, which makes them highly successful and persistent agricultural pests.

Host plants: This species is a generalist herbivore. It causes significant economic damage to a wide range of vegetation, including commercial citrus orchards, vegetable crops, legumes, various ornamental plants, and seedlings in reforestation programs.

Biology and life cycle: The life of the colony is organized around a fungal garden. Worker ants forage for fresh vegetation, which is transported back to the subterranean nest, masticated, and used as a substrate. The ants do not eat the leaves directly but cultivate the fungi that serve as the sole source of food for the queen and larvae.

Nature of damage and pest status: The damage is caused by the physical removal of foliage. By stripping leaves and buds, these ants cause severe defoliation, stunted growth, and death of the plant. A large colony can strip an entire small tree or garden bed in a very short amount of time, leading to significant yield losses.

• Utilization of slow-acting toxic baits that are carried into the nest to kill the queen.
• Direct application of insecticidal powders or liquid treatments to nest entrances.
• Deployment of physical barriers on trunks to isolate the foliage from foragers.
• Application of sustainable pest management practices involving fungal pathogens.
• Frequent scouting and monitoring of ant trails to locate subterranean colony sites for targeted intervention.