Atta texana
Temperature
22–28 °C
Humidity
75–90%
Colony size
500,000–2,000,000
Queen size
20–24 mm
Worker size
1.5–16 mm
Diet
Care Guide
Atta texana is the only leafcutter native to the United States, ranging across eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and adjacent parts of northeastern Mexico. It is the northernmost member of its genus and the only leafcutter adapted to temperate conditions. The queen reaches 20–24 mm, with workers showing the classic Atta polymorphism from 1.5 mm minims to 16 mm soldiers. Mature colonies contain 500,000 to 2,000,000 individuals.
Like all Atta, this species cultivates a symbiotic fungus that the colony feeds. Workers cut fresh leaves, flowers, and fruit, carry them back to the nest, and process them into a substrate for the fungal garden. The colony feeds on gongylidia produced by the fungus. The queen carries a starter pellet of fungus during her mating flight.
What makes A. texana unique among leafcutters is its tolerance for cooler temperatures and seasonal change. While not truly hibernating, captive colonies slow noticeably during winter and can be kept slightly cooler than their tropical relatives.
Care difficulty
Expert. This is the most "approachable" leafcutter in terms of climate, but it remains an extraordinarily demanding species. The fungus garden requires daily attention and impeccable hygiene throughout the year.
Housing
A modular system of fungus chambers, foraging arenas, and waste chambers is essential. Maintain temperature between 22 and 28 °C with humidity at 75–90 % around the garden. Offer fresh, untreated leaves daily — oak, bramble, rose, hibiscus — alongside fruit pulp and occasional protein. As with all leafcutters, pesticide-contaminated material will kill the fungus and the colony along with it.
First days after purchase
Place the founding queen and her fungus pellet in a small, dark, humid chamber at around 25 °C and leave her completely undisturbed. Do not open the container, do not offer leaves until the first generation of workers is foraging on its own. Inspect daily only for mold or contamination, removing affected material with sterile tools. Founding is the highest-risk stage for any leafcutter, and patience makes all the difference.