Leaf-cutter ants (Atta species)

With their massive jaws, strong enough to pierce human skin, leaf-cutter ants are well equipped to tear away at vegetation. Not surprisingly, they have the distinction of being the primary consumer of vegetation in the Amazon rainforests, where their actions remove 15% of leaf production³.

Leaf-cutter ants live in massive colonies – sometimes reaching three million – and build gigantic hills for their homes. These are equivalent to huge housing complexes, often reaching more than 9 m across and more than 6 m deep, with multiple entrances.⁴

Some of the most complex social systems seen in organized societies are found in these colonies. Leaf-cutter ants form female societies, where the males’ main function is reproduction. Females (referred to as workers) are daughters of the same queen, who emits chemical that keep them infertile.

The size, appearance and function of new adults (their caste) depends on how much fungus they are fed when they are at the larval stage. In some leaf-cutter species, societies include a type of ant that can reach gigantic proportions on the ant scale. The primary function of these giant ants is to retaliate in case of an attack.⁵

Leaf-cutter ants do not actually feed on the leaves they are so adept at destroying. While it has been thought that the fungus cultivated by leaf-cutting ants digests cellulose, which forms the major part of plant cell walls, recent research puts into doubt that ability.⁶
 

Termites

These species occur in rainforests, savannas and mangroves, where they build conspicuous nests. Some termites form castes, which include a worker, soldier and queen.

Termite nests are made of a material called “carton”, which is a mix of digested wood and faecal matter. Their stomachs are adapted to processing wood, although some plant species resist termites. Termite-building abilities are impressive, and they can quickly fix a damaged nest, or termitarium.

Occasionally, termites must share their termitaria with birds such as parakeets, which also use them as nests. Why these birds will also settle in termitaria inhabited by both termites and aggressive biting ants (Dolichoderus species) is still not clear. These ants may be protecting the birds' nests by attacking predators or by providing a sort of “odour camouflage”.⁸
 

Cockroaches

Most of the world's 4,000-plus cockroach species live in the tropics. Despite their poor reputation, they carry no diseases, and they do not bite nor sting.

The giant cockroach (Blaberus giganteus) is one of the largest cockroach species on the planet, with a full-grown individual filling the palm of an adult human's hand. It lives in hollow trees and other reclusive places.

Cockroaches are particularly fond of bat guano (faecal matter), and are hence often found in bat caves.

Rhinoceros beetle (Megasoma elephas)

Males are instantly recognized by a long, curved horn, and their hairy body. The horn is used to fight with other males. It is now considered a rare species, because of habitat loss.
 

Morpho butterflies (genus Morpho)

Wide, brilliant and deep blue wings combine to make these species one of the most spectacular of Amazon butterflies. They are common around streams and places that receive plenty of light, and they feed on a variety of plant species