Care Sheets
Atta cephalotes
Coming Soon
All colonies have been collected fresh from founding and imported legally.
All colonies are kept and cared for in perfect conditions by an experienced leaf cutter owner.
Buying from me gives you around the clock support to ensure your colony thrives.
Which species to choose?
Acromyrmex octospinosus is the recommened species to keep for a private display If you haven't kept leaf cutters before and/ or don't have as much spare room to house a mature colony. Acromyrmex are a lot easier to manage in captivity while Attas produces millions of workers and staying on top of care and housing becomes a difficult challenge. Most people don't have the required space to house a mature Atta colony and end up donating them to local zoos so please keep this in mind when choosing. If you have the space and experience for Attas then why not take on the responsibility? I myself keep a personal Acormyrmnex octospinosus colony as they're much easier to care for.
Setup Help
If you require assistance obtaining a functional setup then please contact me so I can point you in the right direction. My UK or EU nest makers will be more then happy to help.
I work very closely with my supplier who is highly spoken of within the Ant Keeping Community. Over a decade ago, my supplier ventured over to Trinidad and taught all the local farmers how to farm organically which in return, kept all local colonies healthy and free from pesticides. Since then, he has installed and set up leafcutter colonies and displays around the globe. Most famously, the ZLS London Zoo enclosure as well as featured on a BBC documentary and many other exhibits. By saying all of the above, rest assured that your Leafcutter colonies have been imported and collected ethically.
I (AntsDavey) as an experienced Leafcutter owner myself, will do everything I possibly can to help you pre-purchase and offer exceptional after-purchase support. This will include an optional WhatsApp group full of previous experienced/ new leaf cutter customers to further help with any advice if required.. alongside support from myself. Feel free to join, share pictures and knowledge!
Please ensure your setup is installed and tested prior to ordering the ants as the first 24 hours after arrival is vital to ensure the colony recovers from the post. need help with the setup? Please reach out to me and I can point you in the right direction for a suitable enclosure.
Dried Goods
Photos from past customers
Information
Alive Upon Arrival Guaranteed
Upon delivery, you will receive a healthy queen, said workers, healthy fungus the said size, and visible brood. In the rare occurrence that the queen or fungus dies during delivery then a replacement colony will be provided free of charge to ensure you receive the healthy colony that was packaged and sent to you. I will require the colony to be sent back to me so I can evaluate what went wrong (ill cover the cost). Please note that this only applies to the Queen and fungus and not the workers or brood. This also only applies to the arrival of your colony (when you first receive them). If they soon fail in your care then this is not my responsibility as it is down to you to ensure you have done your research and homework on how to provide and care for leafcutters. I will be here to help but there's only so much I can do and suggest. The fungus can go from perfectly healthy to a critical state in 72 hours. Missing the delivery will also VOID the guarantee.
Delivery
UK
Orders will be sent just before postal closing times with royal mail special delivery guaranteed before 1 PM (inc in price) to ensure they spend minimal time in the post than required. A heat pack will be provided in your order when necessary to avoid them dropping to dangerous temps. If you require your colony to be sent on a specific day to make sure you're around to receive the parcel then please let me know by adding a note to the purchase or contacting me.
Europe
EU orders are sent with Express Next Day Delivery. Shipping will be booked upon receiving your order and will be collected the following day and will reach you the day after collection. Orders will be dispatched using the time frame above. If for some reason the delivery service cannot guarantee next-day delivery then I will refund your order.
Questions?
If you have any questions whatsoever then please don't hesitate to message me! I am here to help you before and after purchase so I can ensure they do well in your care and be here to help you in the event of a setback.
please contact me via email or on my social medias.