Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon1

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Abstract
During the summer of 1963 some aspects of the biology and behavior of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei Cole, were studied in the Redmond area of central Oregon. The workers were found to be active outside the mound only when soil surface temperaures were within the range of 20° to 50°C. Observations on the clearing activity showed that the ants removed a total of 25 different plant species from the area around the mound, and the commonest plants thus removed were Bromus tectorum, Descurainia pinnatta, and Sisymbrium altissimum. Workers were found to forage seeds heavily within a 50-ft radius of the mound. Bromus tectorum, Phacelia linearis, Hordeum jubatum, Descurainia pinnata, and Sisymbrium altissimum were the species of seeds most foraged. A total of 31 different seed species were observed being foraged. Observations on the seasonal history and influence of temperature on the ants indicated that for most effective control with a slow-acting insecticidal bait, such as mirex, application should be made in June as soon as temperatures are well above the activity level of the ants and before the first brood of larvae has pupated.

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