Pogonomyrmex rugosus, harvester ant worker cutting grass seeds off the stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum harvesting seeds from a grass stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
A harvester ant worker (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) pulls grass seeds off the stalk. Ants store the seeds in underground chambers to carry them through times of drought.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex rugosus, harvester ant worker cutting grass seeds off the stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum.  Harvester ants sometimes climb up grass stalks to collect seeds.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum.  Harvester ants sometimes climb up grass stalks to collect seeds.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum harvesting seeds from a grass stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex rugosus, harvester ant worker cutting grass seeds off the stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum harvesting seeds from a grass stalk.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum. Harvester ants sometimes climb up grass stalks to collect seeds.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum.  Harvester ants sometimes climb up grass stalks to collect seeds.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum. Harvester ants sometimes climb up grass stalks to collect seeds.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013