Pogonomyrmex
is an iconic ant of deserts and other arid habitats in North and South America. These conspicuous insects are normally granivorous, playing ecologically important roles as scavengers and seed dispersers. Pogonomyrmex is also known for having a uniquely painful sting.
Pogonomyrmex anergismus (at left) is a workerless social parasite of other species of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. The small queens live deep in the nests of their hosts, taking advantage of their resources to produce more parasite queens and males. Once a year, in the fall, a crop of young parasites leave their natal nests to mate and locate a fresh host to colonize.
Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex anergismus (at left) is a workerless social parasite of other species of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. The small queens live deep in the nests of their hosts, taking advantage of their resources to produce more parasite queens and males. Once a year, in the fall, a crop of young parasites leave their natal nests to mate and locate a fresh host to colonize.
Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, USA
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 2836x2016 |
Current: 800x569 |
