[3] The presence of leaf-cutter ants is so common in the Neotropics, that they are considered to be the main herbivores of these areas.,[2][4] A. striatus is a polymorphic species, meaning that there are several different sizes of workers, with the largest being 6.5 mm long.

A. striatus is most commonly found in the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, and also the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

[4] These ants may cut directly from plants, they may scavenge materials that have already fallen, or they may even collect feces or carcasses of other arthropods.

[3] In fact, researchers have found that at least 53 different species of plants are collected by A. striatus, from 23 families, the majority being Compositae, Gramineae, and Leguminosae.

[3] Farmers may find themselves competing with A. striatus if the vegetation present in an area is intended for human consumption.,[3][7] Foraging methods may be prevented in a variety of ways, but in terms of natural control, it seems that the ant Camponotus blandus (a non-leaf-cutting species) deters A. striatus from foraging on the shrubs where it collects nectar.

[9] Ant nests are carefully regulated to maintain stable conditions in humidity, moisture, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and many other factors.

[9] When humans dig up the ground, the soil is more porous, which allows for better gas exchange and water infiltration, aiding the fungal gardens.

[11] Therefore, polyandry, which is the behavior of multiple fathers contributing their sperm, plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity.

[6] In these conditions, brood rearing can occur rapidly, all co-queens dig and share a main chamber, and tend to the same fungal garden.

[4] In addition, as they cut away the more fleshy parts of the fruit, fungi cannot infect the seeds, increasing the likelihood of viable germination.

[4] A. striatus has been recorded exhibiting this behavior in relation to many plants, including Schinus fasciculates, native to Argentina.

[13] Another benefit to being shipped by ants is escaping more natural predators.,[4][13] Ripe fruit containing seeds fall underneath the tree, and vertebrates will often search in these areas.