Pogonomyrmex Raids

Although I confidently say they are raids in the title, let’s see the evidence:

First, I came across this harvester ant nest with dead ants, about half of which are light-colored callows. No live ants to be seen.

A nearby entrance hole had a lot more activity. The workers are actively grabbing each other.

By the way, the seed was going out, not in.

From out of the nest came workers carrying callows.

Here’s another one.

Up out of the nest…

… and off it goes.

This one is carrying a worker.

After a short while, the excitement died down a bit.

When Pogonomyrmex raid weaker colonies they are known to carry off larvae and pupae. I didn’t see any of that, but I couldn’t watch that long, either. We were at a park and kids were playing.

What do you think? Was it a raid?

In another note, James asked about the color of the silverfish.

It appears to be creamy-silvery in color. It didn’t stay outside for long though. It zipped out and zipped back in. The quality of the photograph leaves a tad bit to be desired.

Pogolumina Website Shines

Have you discovered David Louis Quinn’s Pogolumina website yet? If you are interested in ants, Pogonomyrmex and/or photography, it is a must see.

David’s new video Domain of the Thatching Ant, Part I is mesmerizing.  Take a look:

You know where I’ll be spending all my free time for the next few week, looking through all the pages. He’s already answered some questions I had about Pogonomyrmex workers harvesting plants around their mounds.

Thanks, David!

I’d love to hear your comments.

Harvester Ant Haven

If you are looking for a place to study harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex), I have a suggestion.

At the Running Deer Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado, we saw numerous active mounds last month.

Most of them are conveniently located near walking trails.

Looked like the perfect place to study ants to me.

Not bad views either.

Escargot Anyone?

You can tell a lot about a society by examining what its members throw away.

For example, here’s the trash heap or midden of a Pogonomyrmex colony.

escargot-1

escargot-2

Shell collection?

Water condensation devices?

Taste for escargot?

Garlic and butter anyone?