Images of Pogonomyrmex desertorum
- the desert harvester, at Big Bend N.P., TX USA.
Scroll down PAST BOTTOM OF PAGE for complete image description, and CLICK large image to make it even LARGER...
Scroll down PAST BOTTOM OF PAGE for complete image description, and CLICK large image to make it even LARGER...
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:57AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Illuminated by the morning sun, a Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker 'freezes' in a defensive posture. This behavior was prompted by intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers - one of which actually attacked a P. desertorum ant (both combatants walked away unharmed). [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-ffgb8D8/15/Ti/IMG_0865_7D_10c-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:57AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Illuminated by the morning sun, a Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker 'freezes' in a defensive posture. This behavior was prompted by intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers - one of which actually attacked a P. desertorum ant (both combatants walked away unharmed). [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:45AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 66°F
Another Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker frozen in a defensive posture, with mandibles (jaws) agape. We observed individuals remaining motionless like this for up to 10 minutes. As mentioned earlier, this heightened state of alert was due to intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers. These P. desertorum workers were extremely docile, and did seem to be concerned at all with our presence. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-J3LHvQQ/8/Ti/IMG_2268_10_7Df-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:45AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 66°F
Another Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker frozen in a defensive posture, with mandibles (jaws) agape. We observed individuals remaining motionless like this for up to 10 minutes. As mentioned earlier, this heightened state of alert was due to intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers. These P. desertorum workers were extremely docile, and did seem to be concerned at all with our presence. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:46AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Before venturing to the surface, a P. desertorum worker peers out from the nest entrance. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-vkMdcPF/7/Ti/IMG_0796_10_7Dc-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:46AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Before venturing to the surface, a P. desertorum worker peers out from the nest entrance. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:44AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
A Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker explores the area around her tiny nest. The soil surface temperature was approx. 39°C / 103°F at this point. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-9FJPPkM/8/Ti/IMG_0783_10_7Df-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:44AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
A Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker explores the area around her tiny nest. The soil surface temperature was approx. 39°C / 103°F at this point. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:46AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Self-grooming behavior - Pogonomyrmex desertorum. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
These grooming actions not only remove fungus and other debris, but may also serve to spread antibiotic secretions over the ant's body. In many ant lineages, much of this bacteria-fighting substance is secreted from the metapleural gland, located on the ant's mesosoma, the 'middle' body part (also called the alitrunk). There is also evidence that some ants posses a gland that is incorporated in the 'antenna cleaner' itself. It is unclear if the secretions from this gland aid soley in the cleaning of the antenna, or serve as a means of chemical communication - or perhaps it fulfills both of these roles. As mentioned elsewhere on this site, grooming (and self-grooming) behaviors also distribute the chemical compounds ('cuticular hydrocabons') that allow ants to discriminate between nestmates and intruders, regulate worker tasks, and also permit identification of reproductive status between colony members.
·Fernández-Marín, H., J.K. Zimmerman, S.A. Rehner & W.T. Wcislo. 2006. Active Use of the Metapleural Gland by Ants in Controlling Fungal Infection. Proc. R. Soc. B (2006) 273, 1689–1695 doi:10.1098/rspb.2006.3492 Published online 15 March 2006
·Greene, M.J. & D.M. Gordon. 2007. How Patrollers Set Foraging Direction in Harvester Ants. The American Naturalist, Vol. 170, No. 6, December 2007
·Hölldobler, B. & E.O. Wilson. 1990. The Ants. Cambridge, MA, Belknap/Harvard Press
·Schönitzer, K., H. Dott, R.R. Melzer. 1996. The Antenna Cleaner Gland in Messor rufitarsis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Tissue and Cell, 1996 28(1) 107-113, Pearson Professional Ltd.
·Wagner, D.,M. Tissot, W. Cuevas, and D.M. Gordon. 2000. Harvester Ants Utilize Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Nestmate Recognition. Journal of Chemical Ecology, Vol. 26, No. 10, 2000](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-NhxdzfG/6/Ti/IMG_0804_10_7Dc-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/04/10 11:46AM sunny, air temp: 24°C / 76°F
Self-grooming behavior - Pogonomyrmex desertorum. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
These grooming actions not only remove fungus and other debris, but may also serve to spread antibiotic secretions over the ant's body. In many ant lineages, much of this bacteria-fighting substance is secreted from the metapleural gland, located on the ant's mesosoma, the 'middle' body part (also called the alitrunk). There is also evidence that some ants posses a gland that is incorporated in the 'antenna cleaner' itself. It is unclear if the secretions from this gland aid soley in the cleaning of the antenna, or serve as a means of chemical communication - or perhaps it fulfills both of these roles. As mentioned elsewhere on this site, grooming (and self-grooming) behaviors also distribute the chemical compounds ('cuticular hydrocabons') that allow ants to discriminate between nestmates and intruders, regulate worker tasks, and also permit identification of reproductive status between colony members.
·Fernández-Marín, H., J.K. Zimmerman, S.A. Rehner & W.T. Wcislo. 2006. Active Use of the Metapleural Gland by Ants in Controlling Fungal Infection. Proc. R. Soc. B (2006) 273, 1689–1695 doi:10.1098/rspb.2006.3492 Published online 15 March 2006
·Greene, M.J. & D.M. Gordon. 2007. How Patrollers Set Foraging Direction in Harvester Ants. The American Naturalist, Vol. 170, No. 6, December 2007
·Hölldobler, B. & E.O. Wilson. 1990. The Ants. Cambridge, MA, Belknap/Harvard Press
·Schönitzer, K., H. Dott, R.R. Melzer. 1996. The Antenna Cleaner Gland in Messor rufitarsis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Tissue and Cell, 1996 28(1) 107-113, Pearson Professional Ltd.
·Wagner, D.,M. Tissot, W. Cuevas, and D.M. Gordon. 2000. Harvester Ants Utilize Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Nestmate Recognition. Journal of Chemical Ecology, Vol. 26, No. 10, 2000")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:47AM sun/haze, air temp: 19°C / 66°F
As mentioned earlier, these Pogonomyrmex desertorum workers were exhibiting a defensive posture in response to P. rugosus workers in the area [see first 3 images in this gallery]. This one didn't bother to first drop the object she was carrying, before 'assuming the position' (she remained like this for over 5 minutes). [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-chnmBM7/9/Ti/IMG_2279_10_7Df-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:47AM sun/haze, air temp: 19°C / 66°F
As mentioned earlier, these Pogonomyrmex desertorum workers were exhibiting a defensive posture in response to P. rugosus workers in the area [see first 3 images in this gallery]. This one didn't bother to first drop the object she was carrying, before 'assuming the position' (she remained like this for over 5 minutes). [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:46AM sun/haze, air temp: 19°C / 66°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] Another Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker frozen in a defensive posture, with mandibles (jaws) agape. We observed individuals remaining motionless like this for up to 10 minutes. As mentioned earlier, this heightened state of alert was due to intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers. These P. desertorum workers were extremely docile, and did seem to care about our presence at all. The ant's psammophore is clearly visible from this angle. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-Ct82HwN/6/Ti/IMG_2270_10_7Dc-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:46AM sun/haze, air temp: 19°C / 66°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] Another Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker frozen in a defensive posture, with mandibles (jaws) agape. We observed individuals remaining motionless like this for up to 10 minutes. As mentioned earlier, this heightened state of alert was due to intruding Pogonomyrmex rugosus workers. These P. desertorum workers were extremely docile, and did seem to care about our presence at all. The ant's psammophore is clearly visible from this angle. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-Bmc6wPJ/0/Ti/IMG_2176_10_7Df-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:16AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
A Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker emerging from her nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-dSpBVrC/5/Ti/IMG_2139_10_7Df-Ti.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:16AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
A Pogonomyrmex desertorum worker emerging from her nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.
![pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-Bmc6wPJ/0/M/IMG_2176_10_7Df-M.jpg "pogolumina > ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.")
● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
● 3/06/10 10:27AM sun/haze, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
Though too early in the season for new seeds to be available (at this location), these P. desertorum workers could be seen inspecting, and even transporting dry bits of plant matter. We did not observe any of this material being taken into the nest, however. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.
The integument (outer body covering) of these P. desertorum workers was quite translucent. When back-lit by the sun (as can be seen in some of these images), these ants glowed with the most beautiful orange-red color. In some cases, x-ray-like hints of their internal anatomy could be seen as well.
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