Leaf cutting-ants present a sophisticated division of labor during foraging, fungus-garden cultivation and devolution of foraged materials. Material with different degrees of moisture and hardness (floral sponge, polystyrene, plastic and clay) were offered to two Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus Forel, 1911 laboratory colonies. The different size categories of workers were observed during the execution of 14 subtasks. Relative probability performance and alloethic curves were used to verify behavioral flexibility and behavioral stereotyped patterns in the workers. The behavioral patterns could establish roles within probable subcastes.
Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus; alloethism; foraging; leaf-cutting ants
