Defense, Aggression, and Pogos as Prey
Wrestling and stinging
ants, lunch for spiders, and territorial wars. Pogonomyrmex spp.
ants at various locations in North America.
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Pogonomyrmex salinus
● NW of Mattawa [Grant Co], WA USA [el. 152 m / 500 ft] view location in Google Maps » ● 9/27/09 9:03AM sunny, air temp: 18°C / 64°F
[IMAGE 1 of 2] Theridiid spider with its prey - a Pogonomyrmex salinus worker. Firmly entangled in the web, the ant flails wildly - just millimeters above the substrate. In this instance, we did not witness the actual moment of prey capture, or envenomation of the ant. The spider added additional silk to secure its prey, then moved a short distance away (in the web), and waited - presumably, for the venom to take effect. [scroll down for additional notes/references]
ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
We have seen this (as yet unidentified) theridiid spider, preying on Pogos, at separate locations in central Washington state. Based on what we have observed so far, these spiders usually have their retreat in abandoned mammal burrows (or other small cavity in the sand), and make (almost invisible) web snares anchored to the bases of grass stems, just above ground level. They apparently are also capable of capturing these ants without the use of a snare. We will be paying close attention to this spider, and its interactions with the Pogos, during our 2010 season (spider ID will be coming as well).
pogopogonomyrmexpogonomyrmex salinusantspreydefensemacroharvester ants
