English   Portuguese 

Welcome

Atta robusta is endemic to the restingas in the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, a habitat characterized by having sandy soils covered with herbaceous and shrub-arboreal vegetation located in coastal lowlands. This project is a big challenge because it deals with a species that in society's views is part of a problematic group in Brazil: the leaf-cutting ants, which are considered pests, although most species do not cause economic damage. However, in the restingas, A. robusta has an important role in seed dispersal of dozens of plant species, decreasing the germination time of plants that grow on the nests, as the nests have higher concentrations of nutrients than the surrounding soil. Its restricted geographic distribution and the accelerated decline of its populations are a consequence of anthropogenic changes in vegetation structure of the restingas. On this page you will be able to follow all the information about the project that will be developed by a group of myrmecologists from Brazil and Mexico. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us by CLICKING HERE.