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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Collection and Long-Term Maintenance of Leaf-Cutting Ants Atta in Laboratory Conditions
Published on: August 30, 2022
Azadirachtin impairs egg production in Atta sexdens leaf-cutting ant queens
Karina Dias Amaral1, Luis Carlos Martínez2, Maria Augusta Pereira Lima3
1Department of Entomology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil.
Abstract:
Leaf-cutting ants are important pests of forests and agricultural crops in the Neotropical region. Atta sexdens colonies can be composed of thousands of individuals, which form a highly complex society with a single reproductive queen. Successful control of this species is achieved only if the queen is affected. Few data are available on the lethal or sublethal effects of toxic compounds on leaf-cutting ant queens. Azadirachtin has been claimed as an effective biopesticide for insect control, but its action on leaf-cutting ants has been little explored. This study shows that azadirachtin affects oviposition in A. sexdens queens, impairing egg development by decreasing protein reserves. Azadirachtin inhibits the synthesis of vitellogenin, the major yolk protein precursor. The negative effects of azadirachtin on the reproduction of leaf-cutting ant queens suggest a potential use for the control of these insects.
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