How urbanite is the leaf-cutter ant Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) in Colombia?

Abstract Many studies have dealt with the effect of invasive species in urban environments, leading to decline in species richness, and changes in the composition of faunal communities. However, few studies have investigated the role of native species while turning into invasive pests. In Colombia, Atta cephalotes, a native leaf-cutting ant (LCA), has responded successfully to the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural-rural environments and, most recently, to residential and urban development. In this case study, we illustrate the response of this native ant species to urban disturbs in the physical environment, resource availability, and ecosystem processes associated with human urbanization in Cali, the third most important city in Colombia. Atta cephalotes nests were present in all green areas sampled and, even in human dwellings, the ants harvested both native and introduced plant species. Despite being well adapted to intensively modified urban environments, this ant species appears to be dependent on human-subsidized resources. As discussed in the light of published studies, ecological competence, resource availability, opportunistic behaviour, reduction of natural enemies and heat islands can be identified as key factors driving the urban proliferation of this LCA species. Given the wide distribution of leaf-cutting ants, it is, plausible to expect that similar processes are underway in other Latin American countries where these ants are found. Hence, this study also proposes to alert the academic and social communities to direct future research towards evaluating both the responses and impacts of these ants in relation to changes in the urban landscape.