fungus garden

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June 29, 2026

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A fungus garden is a growth of fungus within the nests of certain ants and beetles, which they cultivate and consume for food. This practice is a form of agriculture, with some ant species, like leafcutter ants, meticulously tending to specific fungi within their colonies. These ants cut leaves to create a pulp that nourishes the fungus, which in turn produces specialized cells that the ants eat. This symbiotic relationship, where the fungus relies entirely on the ants for survival, is an example of domestication. This farming behavior by ants predates human agriculture by millions of years.12

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termite
Fungus gardens
The Macrotermitinae (family Termitidae) cultivate symbiotic fungi (Termitomyces). The termites construct spongelike “fungus gardens,” or combs, possibly of fecal matter rich in the carbohydrate lignin. The fungi grow on the combs, and the termites consume both fungi and combs. The fungi break down…
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The Macrotermitinae (family Termitidae) cultivate symbiotic fungi (Termitomyces). The termites construct spongelike “fungus gardens,” or combs, possibly of fecal matter rich in the carbohydrate lignin. The fungi grow on the combs, and the termites consume both fungi and combs. The fungi break down…
Read More