Ecology of the Ant Pogonomyrmex mayri: Distribution, Abundance, Nest Structure, and Diet

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Abstract
Although the North American seed harvesting ants of the genus Pogonomyrmex have been studied for many years, this is the 1st report of the ecology of a South American species. The entire distribution of P. mayri seems limited to desert or very dry forest in northeast Colombia. Colonies are of moderate size for the genus, averaging 603 workers per nest. Nest density is high, resulting in a biomass comparable to that of Pogonomyrmex with much larger colonies. Nests have hidden entrances and consist of only 2 levels and a few chambers. Nest relocation in the area studied was frequent and executed within 4 or 5 h. Unlike most Pogonomyrmex so far studied, P. maryi is not granivorous, but rather relies mostly on dead arthropods for food.

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