Pogonomyrmex desertorum
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...
Read MoreScroll down PAST BOTTOM OF PAGE for complete image description, and CLICK large image to make it even LARGER...
Pogonomyrmex desertorum
● 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.
![<span class="captionImageInfo"> ● Castolon [Loc 41] Big Bend N.P., TX USA [el. 660 m / 2164 ft]</span> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=100103460138962878270.00048384c67ef9deb4b45&ll=29.13417,-103.513355&spn=0.05248,0.072956&z=13&source=embed"><span class="mapLink"> view location in Google Maps »<span></span></span></a>
<span class="captionImageInfo"> ● 3/06/10 10:46AM sun/haze, air temp: 19°C / 66°F</span>
<div class="captionImageMain">[IMAGE 2 of 2] Another <a href="http://www.davidlouisquinn.com/pogolumina_PdesertorumInfo.htm"><span class="glossLinkSm"><i>Pogonomyrmex desertorum</i></span></a> 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 <i>Pogonomyrmex rugosus</i> workers. These <i>P. desertorum</i> workers were extremely docile, and did seem to care about our presence at all. The ant's <a href="http://www.davidlouisquinn.com/pogolumina_psammophoreInfo.htm"><span class="glossLinkSm">psammophore </span></a> is clearly visible from this angle. <span class="footnoteTag">[scroll down for additional notes/references]</span>
</div>
<div class="captionRefFootnote">ADDITIONAL NOTES/REFERENCES:
<i>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.</i>
</div>](https://photos.smugmug.com/NorthAmericanPogosbySpecies/Pogonomyrmex-desertorum-desert/i-Ct82HwN/8/5168e320/Ti/IMG_2270_10_7Dc-Ti.jpg)
