Removal of Annual Plants from the Desert Ecosystem by Western Harvester Ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis12

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Abstract
Rate and pattern of removal of annual plants from nest areas by western harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson), near Reno, Nev., were found to vary among nests. The rate of plant removal from mounds is initially rapid, but decreases as the season progresses. Plant removal appears to be a density-dependent function. As plant numbers decrease during the season so does the chance of encounter and the rate of cutting by the ants. Ninety-seven percent of the annual plants present during the study were cut down by the ants. Plant removal rates also differ during the season. They are essentially equal for the 4 cardinal compass directions, but are significantly different among nests. Numbers of annual plants cut are estimated at 157–226 million/ha/year for the areas studied.

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