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The 21 species photographed here are the most common ants encountered by pest control operators in North America. Not all species are found in all regions, however. Original file is 3,969 pixel-width and can be printed to small poster size; individual ants are between 200 and 600 pixels, depending on the species.
Messor decipiens. The massive head of this harvester ant major is used for crushing the seeds that form a portion of these ants' diet. Sabi Sands, South Africa
A Pogonomyrmex rugosus worker shows off her psammophore, the basket of long hairs on the underside of her head used for carrying sand grains. This structure enticed Austrian taxonomist Gustav Mayr to name this genus Pogonomyrmex, or "bearded ant". Tucson, Arizona, USA
Two harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) from adjacent nests engaging in ritual warfare, pushing in a display of force but not actually harming each other. It is thought that colonies use these mock battles to gather information about their neighbors. Knowledge about the strength of competing colonies helps ants set territorial borders without loss of life. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex rugosus, harvester ant worker cutting grass seeds off the stalk. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, the western harvester ant Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Western harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) make distinctive mound nests on the desert floor. Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa harvester ants inspect a mesquite seed. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex desertorum harvesting seeds from a grass stalk. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Western harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) make distinctive mound nests on the desert floor.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Western harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) make distinctive mound nests on the desert floor. Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Western harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) make distinctive mound nests on the desert floor.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
See photo in original gallery.
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013