Reassessing the role of fallen branches as part of leaf-cutting ant (Hymenoprera: Formicidae) trails on leaf transport rates.

We analyzed the role of fallen branches as part of trunk trails in the leaf-cutting ant Atta cephalotes. Laden ants walked faster along a fallen branch than along trails, but were slower when ascending or descending a fallen branch. When this delay is included, the estimation of the reduction of travel time at the colony level drops up to 60% with respect to earlier measurements. To maximize foraging efficiency, leaf-cutting ants should select long fallen branches.