Leafcutter ants, fungi, and bacteria

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Introduction

Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.

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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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In the introduction, give a brief overview of the microbial interaction that is the topic of this page. Introduce the interaction, the organisms involved, the ecological significance of this interaction, and the importance of microorganisms and their processes in this environment (described in more detail below). What processes do they carry out? What functions do they perform? Why are microbes important in this interaction?

Microorganisms often require a symbiotic relationship with other organisms in order to reproduce and survive. Sometimes refered to as the "First Agriculture," this symbiotic relationship is shown through the relationship between leafcutter ants, fungi, and bacteria.

Biological Interaction and Microbial Processes

Provide details of the symbiosis or biological interaction. Is this a specific or general interaction? How do these interactions influence the host or other microbial populations, and their activities? How do these interactions influence other organisms (positive or negative influences)? What is the outcome of this interaction? Are there ecological consequences? Describe biological interactions using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at other topics available in MicrobeWiki. Create links where relevant.

What microbial processes are important for this microbial interaction? Does this microbial interaction have some ecosystem-level effects? Does this interaction affect the environment in any way? Describe critical microbial processes or activities that are important in this interaction, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.

Niche

Describe the physical, chemical, or spatial characteristics of the niche where we might find this interaction, using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at other topics available in MicrobeWiki. Create links where relevant.

Physical Characteristics

Habitat

The ant's nests are subterranean and can be found in mostly tropical areas including Costa Rica, Panama, and Argentina.

Nest Characteristics

These subterranean nests vary in sizes. They can be small with a single fungus growing "room" (a) or can be multiple feet below ground (b).

Key Microorganisms

What specific kinds of microbes are typically involved in this interaction? Or associated with important processes? Describe key groups (genera, species) of microbes that we find in this environment, and any special adaptations they may have evolved to survive in this environment. List examples of specific microbes that represent key groups or are associated with important processes found in this environment. Add sections/subsections as needed. Look at other microbe listings in MicrobeWiki. Are some of the groups of microbes from your environment already described? Create links to other MicrobeWiki pages where possible.

Ants

The group of ants that are LeafCutters belong to the tribe attini. Their genera is Atta and acromyrmex Interestingly, these ants are consume the largest amount of primary producers in the tropical rainforest areas which is not surprising considering their biomass is four times the amount of other invertebrates. World wide, these insects take up a third of the total insect biomass.

Fungi

Playing the role of both a decomposer and the primary food source for the Leafcutters, the fungi from the family Lepiotaceae is grown underground in the nests chambers by the worker ants.

Parasites

Battling against the ant's seemingly clean fungis' agriculture are parasites that would quickly take over the colony's fungus growth if not carefully weeded against. These parasites are refered to as escovopsis would feed on the fungus.

Bacteria

One of the most interesting and only recently discovered partners is the antibiotic producing bacteria pseudonocardia
There has recently been research conducted on a fourth bacterial partner. This is a black mold that can be found on the cuticle of the ant and is used in a similar fashion in discouraging parasitic growth. This mold works like other fungis cultivating symbiots and helps to discourage the growth of parasites on the fungus.

Current Research

Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required

References

Pinto-Tomas, A., Anderson, M., Suen, G., Stevensen, D., Chu, F., Cleland, W., Weimer, P., Currie, C. 2009. “Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in the Fungus Gardens of Leaf-Cutter Ants.” 326: 1120-1123.

Edited by <Katie Yi>, a student of Angela Kent at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.