ABSTRACT
Leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex are the major economic phytophagous pests of Neotropical agriculture (Cramer, 1967; Echandi, et al., 1972). These ants are responsible for an enormous amount of damage, yet information of how figures are obtained is scarce. Estimates based on pesticide costs and crop replacement require subjective interpretation. Are insecticides over-used? Are they effective? What criteria do control programs employ? No matter what the answers, economic data cannot estimate (1) colony vegetation input and requirements, (2) the impact of these ants on the energy flow and nutrient cycle and (3) the foraging activity of these ants to optimize control programs.
