Pseudoatta argentina is a social parasite, meaning that it parasitises the nest of its host species, Acromyrmex lundi, rather than the host itself. Acromyrmex lundi lives in extremely large and complex colonies, permitting the parasitic ant, Pseudoatta argentina to go unnoticed.
Leafcutter ants such as Acromyrmex lundi gather leaves on which to cultivate ‘fungus gardens’ within the nest, which they then eat (4). Though there has been little research into the diet of Pseudoatta argentina, it is likely that it primarily consumes the fungus cultivated by its host, though it may also eat the brood or eggs of the host leafcutter ant (3).
Pseudoatta ants produce only fertile male and female offspring. As a parasite, it has no need for the infertile female “worker” caste which is found in most social ants (3). The male Pseudoatta argentina cannot fly, therefore it mates with related females near the entrance of the nest instead of conducting mating flights (2).