Nutrients Derived from the Fungus Cultured by the Fungus-Growing Ant Atta colombica tonsipes1

Abstract

The fungus cultured by the attine ant Atta colombica tonsipes Santschi provides the ant with a rich and complete diet. More than 50% of the dry weight of the fungus is available as soluble nutrient. Carbohydrates make up 27% of the dry weight of the fungus; free amino acids 4.7%; protein-bound amino acid 13%; and lipid 0.2%. The carbohydrates consist of trehalose, mannitol, arabinitol, and glucose. No polysaccharides are present. The lipid fraction contains ergosterol as the major sterol.