[citation needed] Foundresses of the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex octospinosus forage for leaves as garden substrate (semi-claustral foundation).

The fungal pellet and substrate usually are attached to rootlets, which are used as a platform for the garden.

The ants routinely clean their legs before manipulating the garden substrate.

The foundresses use their fore-legs to rub the surface of the metapleural gland, and they then use typical grooming behaviors to pass the forelegs through the mouthparts, after which the ant then licks the garden substrate.

Similarly, ants apparently use their mouths to transfer fecal droplets to their legs.