Atta (ant)

Atta is a genus of ants found in the Neotropical realm, belonging to the subfamily Myrmicinae. In English Atta are commonly referred to as leafcutter ants, although that name is shared with members of the genus Acromyrmex.

Atta worker ants gather plant material from the colony's local area, carry the plant parts into the colony's underground chambers, and there fungus grows on it. All the nest's ants feed on that fungus, not the plant material they collect. Leafcutters don't sting, thus inject no venom, although they are known to be strong biters.