Leafcutter Ants (Atta & Acromyrmex) – The pinnacle of ant keeping

Atta cephalotes Ant Colony (Leafcutter Ant / Parasol Ant)

The Atta cephalotes (South American Leafcutter Ant) is, without a doubt, the most iconic and impressive ant species in the world. Many enthusiasts first became passionate about ants after seeing this fantastic species hauling pieces of green leaf in a zoo or museum. This also applies to the founder of Mierenboerderij, Jan-Peter Oudenampsen! It is therefore a great source of pride that we breed and offer this special species ourselves for experienced hobbyists, zoos, museums, and specialist shops.

Unique behavior: The underground fungus garden

Leafcutter ants do not eat the cut leaves themselves but use the greenery as raw material to cultivate their own food: a specific fungus. Within the colony, you can observe a fascinating division of labor. Large workers and impressive Majors (soldiers) venture out to cut and transport leaves, while smaller workers in the nest chew the leaves into pulp to feed and care for the fungus garden.

Available for pick-up exclusively at our showroom (Apeldoorn)

Because an Atta colony is very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity (and depends on a healthy fungus), we do not ship these ants by mail. The colony can only be picked up by appointment at our showroom in Apeldoorn. During pick-up, we take ample time to provide you with personal advice on ideal climate control, suitable leaf types, and fungus care.

Care and climatic requirements

Keeping leafcutter ants is a wonderful challenge that requires precision and professional dedication. The colony requires a constant high temperature (23°C - 28°C) and extremely high humidity (95% - 99%) around the fungus. As food, they accept a wide range of fresh leaves (such as blackberry leaves, rose leaves, and oak leaves).

Atta cephalotes Specifications:

• Scientific name: Atta cephalotes
• Dutch name: Bladsnijdersmier / Parasolmier (Leafcutter Ant / Parasol Ant)
• Difficulty: 3 (Professional / Advanced – requires specific climate control)
• Queen size: 25 - 30 mm (Giant)
• Worker size: 3 - 15 mm (Extreme variation from very small 'gardeners' to enormous soldiers)
• Colony type: Monogynous (1 queen per nest)
• Diet: Various types of fresh leaves (blackberry, rose, oak etc.) to support the fungus
• Humidity: 95% - 99% (Specific to the fungus chamber)
• Temperature: 23°C - 28°C (Constant)
• Hibernation: None
• Distribution: Central and South America
• Delivery: Includes active fungus culture. Available for pick-up in Apeldoorn only!

Do you dream of experiencing the most fascinating ant species in the world up close? Contact us or order directly to schedule your pick-up appointment in Apeldoorn!

Acromyrmex octospinosus (Leafcutter Ant / Parasol Ant) Colony

The Acromyrmex octospinosus is a fascinating Leafcutter Ant from Central and South America. Many enthusiasts become passionate about ants after seeing leafcutter ants carrying green leaves in zoos or museums – this includes the founder of Ant Farm, Jan-Peter Oudenampsen! It is therefore fantastic that we breed this species ourselves for hobbyists, museums, and specialist stores.

The perfect leafcutter ant for the hobbyist

What makes the Acromyrmex octospinosus so incredibly popular among ant keepers is their manageable colony size. While related Atta species grow into colossal colonies of hundreds of thousands of ants, a mature Acromyrmex colony reaches a maximum of a few thousand individuals. This makes this species excellent to keep and maintain at home, without quickly running out of space!

Fascinating fungus farming and division of labor

Like other parasol ants, these ants do not eat the leaves directly. They use the greenery as a substrate for their own underground fungal garden. In the nest, you see a beautiful division of labor: from larger workers who cut and transport the leaf, to small 'gardener workers' who care for the fungus and prepare it as food for the colony.

Only available for pickup at our showroom (Apeldoorn)

Because leafcutter ants are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity (and depend on a healthy fungus), we do not ship these ants by mail. The colony can only be picked up by appointment at our showroom in Apeldoorn. During pickup, we take ample time to provide you with personal advice on ideal climate control, suitable leaf types, and fungus care.

Care and climatic requirements

Keeping Acromyrmex octospinosus requires dedication and experience. The colony requires a constant temperature (23°C - 28°C) and extremely high humidity (95% - 99%) around the fungus chamber. For food, they accept a wide range of fresh leaves (such as blackberry, rose, and oak leaves).

Acromyrmex octospinosus Specifications:

• Scientific name: Acromyrmex octospinosus
• Dutch name: Bladsnijdersmier / Parasolmier (Leafcutter Ant / Parasol Ant)
• Difficulty: 3 (Professional / Advanced – requires specific climate control)
• Queen size: approx. 13 mm
• Worker size: 5 - 12 mm (Nice variation between Minors, Mediors, and Majors)
• Colony form: Monogyn (1 queen per nest)
• Food: Various types of fresh leaves (blackberry, rose, oak, etc.) to support the fungus
• Humidity: 95% - 99% (Specifically for the fungus chamber)
• Temperature: 23°C - 28°C (Constant)
• Hibernation: None
• Distribution: Central and South America
• Delivery: Includes active fungus culture. Only available for pickup in Apeldoorn!

Do you want to bring the ultimate leafcutter experience into your home with a manageable colony size? Contact us or order directly to schedule your pickup appointment in Apeldoorn!

Cylinder Trio Leafcutter Ant Setup including Acromyrmex octospinosus colony

Many consider keeping leafcutter ants to be the pinnacle of the ant-keeping hobby. After years of testing, developing, and perfecting, we are finally ready to present our flagship product: the Cylinder Trio Leafcutter Ant Setup! This high-quality and complete set is specifically designed to create the perfect conditions for growing their underground fungus garden. The set comes with a healthy starter colony of Acromyrmex octospinosus with active fungus.

Thoughtful design for ideal fungus growth

Leafcutter ants prefer to build their fungus garden in a vertical position. The set consists of three robust acrylic cylinders, 20 cm in diameter and 30 cm high — the perfect shape for a stable microclimate. The cylinders are interconnected with extra-wide, sturdy acrylic tubes, a remarkable 32 mm in diameter. This allows the worker ants to effortlessly transport large pieces of cut leaves through the system, and they are fantastic to observe!

Maximum ventilation and escape prevention

The lids and connections are equipped with stainless steel mesh inserts and gnaw-resistant couplings. Even large colonies and powerful Majors (soldiers) with their sharp mandibles cannot penetrate them. The clever gypsum element at the bottom of the nest area, combined with the included heating cable, ensures the exact moisture and temperature balance that the fungus needs.

Personal service & ongoing support

Because leafcutter ants are the ultimate hobby for us, we never leave you alone after purchase. When you pick up the set at our showroom in Apeldoorn, we will take ample time to discuss the setup, temperature (approx. 26°C) and humidity (90-100%), and nutrition with you. Additionally, we are happy to stay in personal contact with you via WhatsApp to monitor the progress of your colony and answer any questions!

Contents of this complete package:

• 1x Acromyrmex octospinosus colony: Including queen, workers, and active fungus culture
• 3x Cylinder TRIO habitats: Premium acrylic cylinders (20 cm ⌀ x 30 cm high)
• 3x Cylinder lid rims + ventilated inner lids: With stainless steel ventilation grates
• 1x Gypsum base section: Provides the ideal moist substrate for the fungus
• 1x Heat source: Heating cable specially adapted for the nest section
• 2x Acrylic connection tubes (32 mm ⌀): For optimal leaf transport and visibility
• 2x End caps / closable tubes: To securely seal unused openings
• 3x Sets of furniture feet: Ensures the correct elevation for the heat source
• 1x Mini digital thermo-hygrometer: For accurate control of temperature and humidity
• Complete accessory set: Substrate (sandy loam 500g), anti-escape kit, sprayer (0.5L), bottle (250 ml), and tweezers

Specifications & Expandability:

• Suitable for: All types of leafcutter ants (Atta & Acromyrmex)
• Dimensions of basic set: 3x Cylinders of 20 x 30 cm (expandable with modules of 25x40 cm or 40x60 cm)
• Ideal nest area temperature: approx. 26°C
• Ideal fungus humidity: 90% - 100%
• Delivery: Only available for pick-up at our showroom in Apeldoorn!

Ready for the most spectacular ant adventure of your life? Order this complete setup directly or contact us to schedule your pick-up and instruction appointment in Apeldoorn!