The Cellulose-Utilizing Capability of the Fungus Cultured by the Attine Ant Atta colombica tonsipes1

Abstract

Evidence is presented which establishes that the fungus cultured by the fungus-growing ant Atta colombica tonsipes Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) can utilize cellulose as a carbon source in synthetic culture media. Additional evidence is presented which indicates that cellulose in the natural substrate is utilized by the fungus in the fungus gardens of the ant nest. The ecological significance of this metabolic capability is discussed.