Most ants are predators, scavengers and indirect herbivores.
Some are more specialised. Leafcutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) feed exclusively on a fungus that grows only within their colonies. They cut up leaves and carry them back to the nest, where they chew the leaves into pulp. The pulp is stored with the feces, on which the fungus grows.
Honeypot ants (Myrmecocystus) have specialised workers are gorged with food by workers, they function as living larders.
Image Copyright© Dan Rosenberg
Army ants comprise of about 150 species of active, aggressive ants who move their colonies regularly in search of prey that may include everything from insects to small mammals.
Image Copyright© Mitch Lahey
Tags: Frequently Asked Question | Atta | Acromyrmex | Behaviour
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