Texas Leafcutter Ant (Atta texana)

Atta texana (Texas Leafcutter Ant) Atta texana, commonly known as the Texas Leafcutter Ant or "town ant," is the most advanced ant species native to the United States. Found across the pine forests and clay soils of East Texas and western Louisiana, these ants are true fungus farmers. They cut and carry sections of leaves back to their nest, not to eat, but to cultivate a specialized fungus that feeds the entire colony. Among leaf cutter ants for sale, A. texana is the only Atta species native to the U.S., which makes it the centerpiece colony for serious keepers. Leafcutter colonies are highly organized, with multiple worker castes ranging from tiny "minims" that tend the fungus garden to large soldiers that defend the nest. Watching a foraging trail form, a moving ribbon of green leaf fragments carried above the workers' heads, is one of the most incredible sights in the entire hobby. Few species show off the intelligence and division of labor of an ant colony quite like Atta texana. This is an advanced species, and the fungus is the part you are really keeping. Hold the garden between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and never put a heat cable or heat mat on it, since the fungus dies above roughly 85. Keep the garden chamber at 70 to 90 percent humidity by watering an absorbent base layer rather than the fungus itself, and feed only plant material you know is free of pesticide and fungicide residue. Leafcutters need no diapause. Plan the leaf supply before you order, because demand climbs as the garden grows. Read our leafcutter ant care guide first. Each order is a healthy, established Atta texana queen with the beginnings of her fungus garden, packed with care and shipped with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Native range assignment: Texas and Louisiana. Colony Options 1 Queen: single queen with ~30 workers and a golf-ball-size fungus garden. $250 2 Queens: two queens with ~40-50 workers and a golf-ball-size fungus garden. $299.99 3 Queens: three queens with ~50-70 workers and an apple-size fungus garden. $350 Every colony ships as an established, actively growing fungus garden with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Learn more: Leafcutter Ant Care Guide | All Leaf Cutting Ants | Live Arrival Guarantee