Pogonomyrmex maricopa workers carrying excavated soil from their nest.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa, a harvester ant

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa harvester ants inspect a mesquite seed.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa, purportedly the animal with the most venomous sting in North America.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Among the most damaging pest ant species is Solenopsis invicta, a fire ant native to South America.  This species has been accidentally imported to the southern United States, eastern Australia, China, and elsewhere.  Here a worker fire ant is shown in stereotypical defensive posture, her sting extruded, waving a droplet of venom in the air.

Austin, Texas, USA
Among the most damaging pest ant species is Solenopsis invicta, a fire ant native to South America.  This species has been accidentally imported to the southern United States, eastern Australia, China, and elsewhere.  Here a worker fire ant is shown in stereotypical defensive posture, her sting extruded, waving a droplet of venom in the air.

Austin, Texas, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa harvester ants inspect a mesquite seed.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Monomorium ergatogyna worker ant showing the typical alarm response: gaster raised and waving about a droplet of venom on an extruded stinger.

Grass Valley, California, USA
Her nest breached by attacking Forelius nigriventris (at right), a fire ant adopts typical defensive position: stinger raised and exuding a droplet of volatile venom.  

Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Pogonomyrmex maricopa, a harvester ant

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa, a harvester ant

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pogonomyrmex maricopa, a harvester ant

Tucson, Arizona, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013