[Microbiological activity in the nests of Acromyrmex octospinosus Reich in Guadeloupe].

The nests of Acromyrmex octospinosus contain an important bacterial flora which shows a state of equilibrium; that is the result of the society activity. The ant-fungi directly grows on the leaf material brought in the nest; the microorganisms do not modify the substrate. Acromyrmex octospinosus is able to allow the growth of its fungus in pure culture in the presence of invading microflora.