Modificaciones al suelo realizadas por hormigas cortadoras de hojas (Formicidae, Attini): una revisión de sus efectos sobre la vegetación

Leaf-cutting ants (Atta and Acromyrmex) are known by their defoliating capacity, and are considered as one of the main pests in tropical and subtropical America. The objective of this review is to analyze the effects of ants on soil structure and chemistry, and its consequences on vegetation patterns. These consequences are product of a series of related processes. Ant nest construction and the storage of plant material modify physical and chemical soil properties and produce a great concentration of organic matter. These modifications are reflected in an increase of nutrient concentration which generates vegetation patterns related to the nests. The importance of these processes in environments with a high density of ant nests and impoverished soils is discussed.