Why are leafcutter ants considered an agricultural pests?

Leaf Cutter Ants are also known as "cut ants" or "parasol ants". Leaf Cutter Ants originate mainly in the USA. They are found in eastern and south central Texas. They also can be found in parts of western Louisiana. Leaf Cutter Ants are not commonly found in subdivisions, but are considered an agricultural, rural pest. read more

Soldier ants protect leafcutter colonies from ants that try to steal their larvae. (Josh Cassidy/KQED) Farming has made leafcutters especially good at making a living. When it comes to agriculture, the ants make humans look like newbies. While humans started farming about 12,000 years ago, ants have been doing it for 60 million years. read more

In some parts of their range, leafcutter ants can be a serious agricultural pest, defoliating crops and damaging roads and farmland with their nest-making activities. For example, some Atta species are capable of defoliating an entire citrus tree in less than 24 hours. read more

Leafcutter ants can be a serious agricultural threat, as they can easily remove foliage. These pests can lead to an annual decrease in crop yield in affected areas. In North and South America, crop damage from these insects can total a billion dollars. read more