Gongylidia
Encyclopedia
Gongylidia are hyphal swellings cultivated by fungus-growing ants
. This fungus no longer exists naturally outside the ant colonies.
Gongylidia are fed to the developing larvae and distributed throughout the colony to feed workers, soldiers, and the queen. They are ellipsoid, about 30-50 micrometres in diameter and rich in lipids and carbohydrates derived from the leaves and are produced in clusters (called staphylae).
Fungus-growing ants
The fungus-growing ants comprises all the known fungus-growing ant species in the world participating in ant-fungus mutualism. Leafcutter ants, including Atta and Acromyrmex, make up 2 of the genera.-See also:...
. This fungus no longer exists naturally outside the ant colonies.
Gongylidia are fed to the developing larvae and distributed throughout the colony to feed workers, soldiers, and the queen. They are ellipsoid, about 30-50 micrometres in diameter and rich in lipids and carbohydrates derived from the leaves and are produced in clusters (called staphylae).