Ant Invasion: Leaf-Cutter Ants Conquer Manhattan
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has been home to half a million leaf-cutter ants since December 2022. The ants, harvested in Trinidad and nurtured in Oregon, had to adjust to the cold and dry climate of New York City. Museum employees had to make adjustments to create a suitable environment for the ants, including installing a humidifier and providing a variety of leaves for foraging. Despite the challenges, the colony has thrived and grown, with the ants successfully rebuilding their fungal gardens. The museum continues to make tweaks to the exhibit to ensure the ants' well-being during the winter months.