THE ANT´S NEST

The different ant species on our planet constitute 10 percent of the total mass of the animal kingdom. It is the animal with the larges brain in relation to its size, able to lift 50 times its own weight.

.

This installation recreates the tunnels in which live the Atta ants, or leaf cutters, a species capable of culivating its own mushroom plantation. This recreation has been completed with aquariums where small rocks and tropical plants are observed, from where the ants obtain leaves that they use to nourish the fungu from which they feed.

.

The behaviour and mutualism of Atta ants

Every day, the ants go out to look for leaves that they cut into transportable pieces and take them to the anthill to grow the fungus. This mutualism between species, ant and fungus, has been maintained for 60 million years.

.

The mature anteater is composed of several types of ants separated by castes that are distinguished mainly by their size.

.

Facility maintenance

The cleaning of the installation and water, the inspection of equipment, temperature and humidity control or changing food, especially brachichito leaves, are the main maintenance tasks carried out in the Hormiguero.