Leafcutter Ant Acromyrmex Octospinosus (Queen and 100-300 Workers with Fungus) - Pick Up Only

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!