How Leafcutter Ants Work

[benstr]

They forgot 2 other interesting species in this relationship. The ants grow a fungus for food in underground chambers but these chambers also are the perfect place for non nutritious fungi to grow. There is another fungus with no nutritional value that grows along with the food fungus. The ants have evolved to have spikes in their body that hold an antibiotic they rub on the unwanted fungus.

The food fungus, nonfood fungus, and antibiotic are not found anywhere in nature but the antcutter hive. 4 species thar have evolved together to the point they cannot survive without each other.

[DC-pmlc]

It's so comforting when fungus helps you instead of turning your people into zombies.
-Ants.

[Caspian_Treasure]

I wonder if certain ants are more prone to right-mandable dragging, while others are prone to left-manual dragging. Like left and right-handed humans.

[Rullstolsboken]

It's amazing that some ants grow fungus and some ants raise aphids, also those ants can't eat anything else and the fungus can't survive without ants, it's truly amazing

[zerareota]

I feel like ants are weirdly cute up close. I love these guys

[SK-pdsy]

Queen to her minions "Yall fed the fungus today, right?"

[dawnmichelle]

Wow, I love seeing those mandibles doing their work so close up! Thank you! 🌿🐜

[Domzdream]

I could watch documentaries all day long and not ever get bored.

[kzazazazk]

When ants cut a better circle than I can lmao

[patrick_notpakky]

These guys cut papers better than I do.

[kanatapaw]

Its amazing how they are automatically programmed to do these tasks for the colonys survival

[jimjimsauce]

these ants probably look down on ants infected with cordyceps because they can’t control their fungus!

[smileawhile]

This is fascinating! Thank you so much for creating and sharing with us.

[TheBestNinalb]

The skill of that ant to cut a circle around itself and not fall

[charlieknight]

Showing LOVE for the channel Thank You for sharing this amazing video I'm personally amazed at ants. Thank You again and have a Blessed Day Everyone

[zanthimos]

Their heads are in the shape of a heart. I hope this means they love their job.

[DailyDoseOfNature]

I love these! We have a colony in front of our garden and film them regularly. We really need some better equipment, This is so beautiful!

[angel_cat]

Random question: How many leafcutter ants are left-handed vs. right-handed when cutting? Or do you think they'd be ambidextrous just because they're blind?

[KeveTeller]

I thought that ant was about to do the equivalent of cartoon style cutting the branch you're sitting on

[dislikingcocacola]

fun fact: the majors were made SPECIFICALLY to drive off army ants as army ants use to easily invade nests because the lack of protection so they made the soldiers to have hard armored plates with meat slicing jaws but even if that doesn't work they fill up the entrances with rocks.