![● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-salinus/i-s5FR5tm/0/Ti/2375_09_Rf-Ti.jpg "● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.")
![● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co] WA, USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:04AM sun, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 1 of 2] With her powerful mandibles, a P.salinus worker cuts through the tube-like leaf of 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides), uncovering the not-yet-emerged inflorescence, with its many tiny flowers (florets), and seeds.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-salinus/i-vBwtkSd/0/Ti/2369_09_Rf-Ti.jpg "● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co] WA, USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:04AM sun, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 1 of 2] With her powerful mandibles, a P.salinus worker cuts through the tube-like leaf of 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides), uncovering the not-yet-emerged inflorescence, with its many tiny flowers (florets), and seeds.")
![● Horse Ridge area, SE of Bend [Deschutes Co], OR USA [el. 1310 m / 4297 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/20/09 7:42AM sunny, air temp: 12°C / 54°F
At two separate locations in Oregon, we have observed Pogonomyrmex salinus workers transporting (or working on in some way) Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) 'berries' . This ant was in the process of cutting away the outer covering of one, and a seed can be seen inside (a variety of haphazard cutting techniques were employed). This worker apparently lost interest, and walked away shortly after this image was captured. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Juniper 'berries' are really highly modified seed cones, with fused, fleshy scales. We saw these objects on the ground in every state of ripeness and decomposition (at this location and one another in central Oregon). The color ranged from almost black to bright orange - sometimes with a white powdery coating, as in this image. The differences in color and texture presumably are a function of how long the berries had been lying on the ground. The ants did not seem to have a preference, and were seen retrieving ones that were in some cases, highly decomposed. We observed 2 of these objects actually being taken into a nest.
This is the only Pogo we have seen actually cutting open a Juniper berry, the others were being transported whole.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-salinus/i-kVdQCLC/0/Ti/0570_09_40f-Ti.jpg "● Horse Ridge area, SE of Bend [Deschutes Co], OR USA [el. 1310 m / 4297 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/20/09 7:42AM sunny, air temp: 12°C / 54°F
At two separate locations in Oregon, we have observed Pogonomyrmex salinus workers transporting (or working on in some way) Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) 'berries' . This ant was in the process of cutting away the outer covering of one, and a seed can be seen inside (a variety of haphazard cutting techniques were employed). This worker apparently lost interest, and walked away shortly after this image was captured. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Juniper 'berries' are really highly modified seed cones, with fused, fleshy scales. We saw these objects on the ground in every state of ripeness and decomposition (at this location and one another in central Oregon). The color ranged from almost black to bright orange - sometimes with a white powdery coating, as in this image. The differences in color and texture presumably are a function of how long the berries had been lying on the ground. The ants did not seem to have a preference, and were seen retrieving ones that were in some cases, highly decomposed. We observed 2 of these objects actually being taken into a nest.
This is the only Pogo we have seen actually cutting open a Juniper berry, the others were being transported whole.")
![● Wananpum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 9/27/09 12:24PM sunny, air temp: 25°C / 77°F
This Pogonomyrmex salinus nest is located on a slope, with a vertically oriented cave-like entrance. On this day, a steady flow of workers streamed from the entrance, carrying assorted plant matter (including colorful flower fragments) to be discarded a short distance away. All of the ants were dust-covered, and moving so quickly, that it was very difficult to image them. The presence of flower petals in the nest may be explained, at least partially, by the fact that these ants collect balsamroot (Balmorhiza sp) seeds - often with a large yellow petal (ray) attached. Presumably, after the seed is consumed, the ray is discarded outside the nest, in the midden.
Also, Pogonomyrmex ants have been observed to bring small flowers to the nest and arrange them around the larvae and pupae (brood), possibly as a way of increasing humidity in the brood chamber - these flowers are later discarded outside of the nest [1]. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
[1]
This was reported in a study of Pogonomyrmex montanus, P. rugosus, and P. subnitidus. We do not know if P. salinus engages in this behavior.
·MacKay, W.P. 1981. A Comparison of Nest Phenologies of Three Species of Pogonomyrmex Harvester Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Psyche, Vol. 88, No. 1-2, 1981](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-2LNCDxb/4/Ti/1542_09_40c-Ti.jpg "● Wananpum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 9/27/09 12:24PM sunny, air temp: 25°C / 77°F
This Pogonomyrmex salinus nest is located on a slope, with a vertically oriented cave-like entrance. On this day, a steady flow of workers streamed from the entrance, carrying assorted plant matter (including colorful flower fragments) to be discarded a short distance away. All of the ants were dust-covered, and moving so quickly, that it was very difficult to image them. The presence of flower petals in the nest may be explained, at least partially, by the fact that these ants collect balsamroot (Balmorhiza sp) seeds - often with a large yellow petal (ray) attached. Presumably, after the seed is consumed, the ray is discarded outside the nest, in the midden.
Also, Pogonomyrmex ants have been observed to bring small flowers to the nest and arrange them around the larvae and pupae (brood), possibly as a way of increasing humidity in the brood chamber - these flowers are later discarded outside of the nest [1]. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
[1]
This was reported in a study of Pogonomyrmex montanus, P. rugosus, and P. subnitidus. We do not know if P. salinus engages in this behavior.
·MacKay, W.P. 1981. A Comparison of Nest Phenologies of Three Species of Pogonomyrmex Harvester Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Psyche, Vol. 88, No. 1-2, 1981")
![● NW of Mattawa [Grant Co], WA USA [el. 152 m / 500 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 9/14/09 8:28AM 50% cloud, 23°C / 73°F
Only dried plant fragments remain on the ground, as these two P.salinus workers forage near their nest in central Washington state. Although foraging activity is much higher in spring, and earlier in the summer, we do see these ants collecting some seeds and other plant matter (and scavenging dead insects) even at this time of year. It is more common in very late summer/autumn, however, to see plant material being brought out of the nest [see next image], and dumped in the midden. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, it appears that Pogonomyrmex salinus does not build a store of seeds for the winter. Nests excavated in winter (in central Oregon) revealed a lack of stored seeds. It was also observed that the ants huddle in groups within the subterranean chambers of the nest - where they remain dormant until temperatures start to increase. Apparently, at least in some cases, they do not consume food in any significant quantity, during the winter months.
·Willard, J.R. & H.H. Crowell. 1965. Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon. Journal of Economic Entomology Vol.58, No.3](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-hrJgbvG/6/Ti/3678_09_Rc-Ti.jpg "● NW of Mattawa [Grant Co], WA USA [el. 152 m / 500 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 9/14/09 8:28AM 50% cloud, 23°C / 73°F
Only dried plant fragments remain on the ground, as these two P.salinus workers forage near their nest in central Washington state. Although foraging activity is much higher in spring, and earlier in the summer, we do see these ants collecting some seeds and other plant matter (and scavenging dead insects) even at this time of year. It is more common in very late summer/autumn, however, to see plant material being brought out of the nest [see next image], and dumped in the midden. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, it appears that Pogonomyrmex salinus does not build a store of seeds for the winter. Nests excavated in winter (in central Oregon) revealed a lack of stored seeds. It was also observed that the ants huddle in groups within the subterranean chambers of the nest - where they remain dormant until temperatures start to increase. Apparently, at least in some cases, they do not consume food in any significant quantity, during the winter months.
·Willard, J.R. & H.H. Crowell. 1965. Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon. Journal of Economic Entomology Vol.58, No.3")
![● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co] WA, USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/10/09 12:23PM sunny, air temp: 23°C / 74°F
A Pogonomyrmex salinus worker foraging on cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) in central Washington state. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The introduced (and invasive) grass Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), is common in many of the areas inhabited by Pogonomyrmex ants, and is often a target of their foraging activities.
One study in central Oregon found cheat grass (Bromus tectorum), to be one of the 5 most frequently collected seeds by P. salinus. The others were: Phacelia linearis, Hordeum jubatum, Descurainia pinnata, and Sisymbrium altissimum.
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (a member of the same complex as P. salinus) has long been known to have an association with Bromus tectorum, though there are indications that this ant prefers other species when they are available. In the Twin Falls, Idaho area, Cole found the seeds of B. tectorum to be harvested in great quantities "...primarily due to the predominance of Bromus tectorum in the semi-desert areas." He also notes that "the seed chambers of mounds in dense bromegrass areas often contain a greater quantity of other seeds and only a few colonies were located which seemed to harvest bromegrass seeds exclusively."
This seems to be in keeping with the preliminary findings of a study of P. occidentalis in Colorado, by D. Wiernasz, where it was found that "Bromus tectorum was strongly avoided, and never exceeded 3% of seeds collected by foragers, even in high density areas."
·Cole, A.C. 1932a. The Relation of the Ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis CR., to its Habitat. Ohio Journal of Science, 32:133-46, Ohio State University
·Wiernasz, D. 2005. Granivore Activity on the Invasive Grass Bromus tectorum: a Factor in Establishment or Exclusion? University of Huston
·Willard, J.R. & H.H. Crowell. 1965. Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon. Journal of Economic Entomology Vol.58, No.3](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-QJR5DHV/8/Ti/2088_09_Rf-Ti.jpg "● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co] WA, USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/10/09 12:23PM sunny, air temp: 23°C / 74°F
A Pogonomyrmex salinus worker foraging on cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) in central Washington state. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
The introduced (and invasive) grass Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), is common in many of the areas inhabited by Pogonomyrmex ants, and is often a target of their foraging activities.
One study in central Oregon found cheat grass (Bromus tectorum), to be one of the 5 most frequently collected seeds by P. salinus. The others were: Phacelia linearis, Hordeum jubatum, Descurainia pinnata, and Sisymbrium altissimum.
Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (a member of the same complex as P. salinus) has long been known to have an association with Bromus tectorum, though there are indications that this ant prefers other species when they are available. In the Twin Falls, Idaho area, Cole found the seeds of B. tectorum to be harvested in great quantities \"...primarily due to the predominance of Bromus tectorum in the semi-desert areas.\" He also notes that \"the seed chambers of mounds in dense bromegrass areas often contain a greater quantity of other seeds and only a few colonies were located which seemed to harvest bromegrass seeds exclusively.\"
This seems to be in keeping with the preliminary findings of a study of P. occidentalis in Colorado, by D. Wiernasz, where it was found that \"Bromus tectorum was strongly avoided, and never exceeded 3% of seeds collected by foragers, even in high density areas.\"
·Cole, A.C. 1932a. The Relation of the Ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis CR., to its Habitat. Ohio Journal of Science, 32:133-46, Ohio State University
·Wiernasz, D. 2005. Granivore Activity on the Invasive Grass Bromus tectorum: a Factor in Establishment or Exclusion? University of Huston
·Willard, J.R. & H.H. Crowell. 1965. Biological Activities of the Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex owyheei, in Central Oregon. Journal of Economic Entomology Vol.58, No.3")
![● Wananpum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/9/09 8:34AM sunny, air temp: 18.8°C / 66°F
In this image, a P.salinus worker can be seen carrying a sage leaf (Artemesia tridentata) back to her nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Most of the Pogonomyrmex habitat in Oregon and Washington can be described as shrub-steppe land dominated by 'Big Sagebrush' (Artemisia tridentata) - but we don't often see P.salinus interacting with this ubiquitous plant. Only very occasionally, do we see a foraging worker transporting a leaf, or seed of A. tridentata (the leaves are usually three-lobed, but double and single-lobed leaves are not uncommon). In keeping with our observations, a study in central Oregon showed A. tridentata parts to be collected infrequently by foraging Pogonomyrmex salinus workers.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-xhqkGNb/8/Ti/9806_09_40f-Ti.jpg "● Wananpum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/9/09 8:34AM sunny, air temp: 18.8°C / 66°F
In this image, a P.salinus worker can be seen carrying a sage leaf (Artemesia tridentata) back to her nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Most of the Pogonomyrmex habitat in Oregon and Washington can be described as shrub-steppe land dominated by 'Big Sagebrush' (Artemisia tridentata) - but we don't often see P.salinus interacting with this ubiquitous plant. Only very occasionally, do we see a foraging worker transporting a leaf, or seed of A. tridentata (the leaves are usually three-lobed, but double and single-lobed leaves are not uncommon). In keeping with our observations, a study in central Oregon showed A. tridentata parts to be collected infrequently by foraging Pogonomyrmex salinus workers.")
![● Horse Ridge area, SE of Bend [Deschutes Co], OR USA [el. 1310 m / 4297 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/20/09 7:42AM sunny, air temp: 12°C / 54°F
At two separate locations in Oregon, we have observed Pogonomyrmex salinus workers transporting (or working on in some way) Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) 'berries' . This ant was in the process of cutting away the outer covering of one, and a seed can be seen inside (a variety of haphazard cutting techniques were employed). This worker apparently lost interest, and walked away shortly after this image was captured. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Juniper 'berries' are really highly modified seed cones, with fused, fleshy scales. We saw these objects on the ground in every state of ripeness and decomposition (at this location and one another in central Oregon). The color ranged from almost black to bright orange - sometimes with a white powdery coating, as in this image. The differences in color and texture presumably are a function of how long the berries had been lying on the ground. The ants did not seem to have a preference, and were seen retrieving ones that were in some cases, highly decomposed. We observed 2 of these objects actually being taken into a nest.
This is the only Pogo we have seen actually cutting open a Juniper berry, the others were being transported whole.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-pDbDZZP/9/Ti/0570_09_40f-Ti.jpg "● Horse Ridge area, SE of Bend [Deschutes Co], OR USA [el. 1310 m / 4297 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 7/20/09 7:42AM sunny, air temp: 12°C / 54°F
At two separate locations in Oregon, we have observed Pogonomyrmex salinus workers transporting (or working on in some way) Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) 'berries' . This ant was in the process of cutting away the outer covering of one, and a seed can be seen inside (a variety of haphazard cutting techniques were employed). This worker apparently lost interest, and walked away shortly after this image was captured. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
Juniper 'berries' are really highly modified seed cones, with fused, fleshy scales. We saw these objects on the ground in every state of ripeness and decomposition (at this location and one another in central Oregon). The color ranged from almost black to bright orange - sometimes with a white powdery coating, as in this image. The differences in color and texture presumably are a function of how long the berries had been lying on the ground. The ants did not seem to have a preference, and were seen retrieving ones that were in some cases, highly decomposed. We observed 2 of these objects actually being taken into a nest.
This is the only Pogo we have seen actually cutting open a Juniper berry, the others were being transported whole.")
![● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/10/09 12:36PM sunny, air temp: 23°C / 74°F
[IMAGE 1 of 2] An attempt by P. salinus workers to remove a balsamroot plant (Balsamhoriza sp.) from the vicinity of their nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
On this Spring day, we came upon approx. twenty P.salinus workers apparently attempting to cut down a relatively large balsamroot plant (Balsamorhiza sp.) less than .3 m /1 ft from a nest with two entrances. [see additional images » ] Working slowly, they used their mandibles to slice out substantial portions of the leaves, which fell to the ground. We did not observe any workers retrieving the cut-out pieces, but the questions did occur: could this also be a foraging technique (with the cut-out pieces to be retrieved later?) or could the ants also be consuming liquids from the plant as they cut through these green leaves?
Returning to this site exactly 2 months later, we observed the plant still intact (though dry), with only the one leaf (that the ants are pictured on here) substantially chewed away. Considering the size of the plant, the thickness of the leaves, and the slow rate at which they were making progress, it's not surprising that they failed to remove it, if that was indeed the intention.
A plant with leaves of considerable surface area and thickness (like this balsamroot) would seem to be very challenging for these ants to cut down. Cole states: "I carefully observed occidentalis workers cutting down a large plant of wild lettuce at the base of a mound. Fourteen days of cutting were required for the plant, 12.1 centimeters high, to be reduced to a mere stump of 0.2 centimeters, only a few ants working at a time."
·Cole, A.C. 1932. The Relation of the Ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis CR., to its Habitat. Ohio Journal of Science, 32:133-46, Ohio State University](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbyBehavior/Plants/i-57X5RHn/10/Ti/2071_09_Rf-Ti.jpg "● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/10/09 12:36PM sunny, air temp: 23°C / 74°F
[IMAGE 1 of 2] An attempt by P. salinus workers to remove a balsamroot plant (Balsamhoriza sp.) from the vicinity of their nest. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
On this Spring day, we came upon approx. twenty P.salinus workers apparently attempting to cut down a relatively large balsamroot plant (Balsamorhiza sp.) less than .3 m /1 ft from a nest with two entrances. [see additional images » ] Working slowly, they used their mandibles to slice out substantial portions of the leaves, which fell to the ground. We did not observe any workers retrieving the cut-out pieces, but the questions did occur: could this also be a foraging technique (with the cut-out pieces to be retrieved later?) or could the ants also be consuming liquids from the plant as they cut through these green leaves?
Returning to this site exactly 2 months later, we observed the plant still intact (though dry), with only the one leaf (that the ants are pictured on here) substantially chewed away. Considering the size of the plant, the thickness of the leaves, and the slow rate at which they were making progress, it's not surprising that they failed to remove it, if that was indeed the intention.
A plant with leaves of considerable surface area and thickness (like this balsamroot) would seem to be very challenging for these ants to cut down. Cole states: \"I carefully observed occidentalis workers cutting down a large plant of wild lettuce at the base of a mound. Fourteen days of cutting were required for the plant, 12.1 centimeters high, to be reduced to a mere stump of 0.2 centimeters, only a few ants working at a time.\"
·Cole, A.C. 1932. The Relation of the Ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis CR., to its Habitat. Ohio Journal of Science, 32:133-46, Ohio State University")
● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.
● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
![● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.](http://www.pogolumina.net/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-salinus/i-s5FR5tm/0/L/2375_09_Rf-L.jpg "● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.")
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.
" href="javascript:openLB(1110312368,'',XLarge,'',1024,683);"> ● Wanapum Rec. Area [Kittitas Co], WA USA [el. 190 m / 623 ft] view location in Google Maps »
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
● 5/17/09 11:06AM sunny, air temp: 22°C / 71°F
[IMAGE 2 of 2] 'Indian rice grass' (Achnatherum hymenoides) and P. salinus worker - 2 minutes and 13 seconds after the previous image. The ant has gained access to one of the florets (which contains the nutritious seed), and is continuing to free it from the stem. Less than 2 minutes later, she snipped the skinny pedicel (seen at the bottom of this image), and the whole floret dropped to the ground. This ant stayed on the plant, and continued working - leaving the retrieval of this potential food item to her nestmates on the ground. This large clump of grass was approx. .5 m / 2 ft from the nest entrance, but this appeared to be foraging activity only, and not an attempt by the ants to remove the plant.
See photo in original gallery.