The leaf bits are carried above their heads like green umbrellas, giving them the nickname parasol ants. There are fourteen different species of leaf-cutter ants in the Amazon. Their choice may be related to the presence of toxic chemicals in the leaves. Many tropical plants have evolved such poisonous or distasteful chemicals as an adaptation to protect themselves from leaf-eating organisms.
Ants are social insects, and leaf-cutter ants have one of the most complex social organizations.
They are organized by a division of labor. The queen lays the eggs, so the growth of the colony is dependent on her. The workers are the labor force, with specific tasks according to size and age. The very small ants take care of the fungus. The bigger ones that are strong enough cut the leaves.