Leaf-cutting ant (Atta laevigata Smith) in an African mahogany plantation in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. (Meliaceae), known as African mahogany, is used in the establishment of commercial plantations for high-value timber production. This work aims to report first occurrence genus Atta a plantation this species. An ant nest mound with 105 m2 loose soil and five active holes were observed. Leaves cut into crescent shaped sections pieces young branches found near these holes, addition trees apical part their crown partially defoliated. The collected specimens identified laevigata Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini), locally glass-head leaf-cutting ant.