YEASTS ASSOCIATED WITH NESTS OF THE LEAF-CUTTING ANT ATTA-SEXDENS-RUBROPILOSA FOREL, 1908

A total of 137 yeasts associated with the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexden s rubropilosa Forel, 1908 were characterized, being selected 93 for an alysis. Twenty four species belonging to seven genera(Candida, Cryptoc occus, Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, Tremella, Trichosporon, Pichia) we re isolated from the different analysed material. The genus Candida wa s widely distributed, with C. homilentoma, C. colliculosa-like, C. fam ata and C. colliculosa being the most prevalent. A few isolates did no t fit the standard descriptions and probably some of them could be new biotypes or even new species. Three strains of black yeasts were also isolated, and four others were identified as being Candida spp. The e ffective number of yeast species was higher in newer sponge. The origi n, distribution and relative importance of these microorganisms for th e ants are discussed.