Florida Harvester Ant

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pogonomyrmex badius: //ˌpoʊ.ɡə.noʊˈmɜr.mɛks ˈbeɪ.di.əs//

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Summary

Pogonomyrmex badius, the Florida Harvester Ant, is a polymorphic species found mainly in sandy habitats of the southeastern United States. Known for its unique nesting behaviors and potent venom, it plays an important ecological role in its environment, with a life cycle that includes seasonal nuptial flights and colony relocation.

Physical Characteristics

Pogonomyrmex badius is a relatively large harvester ant species with worker sizes ranging from 6.35 mm to 9.52 mm, while queens measure between 10 - 12 mm. Workers exhibit high polymorphism with disproportionately large heads in queens, majors, and intermediates; minors have a narrower head. Normally, the species lacks epinotal spines but they may occasionally be present.

Identification Tips

Look for sandy nesting sites with flat mounds decorated with detritus and charred plant matter. Workers show a range in size, which is a key identification feature, as well as the absence of epinotal spines in most cases.

Habitat

Nests are primarily found in sandy soils in xeric shrublands, grasslands, woodlands, and intact coastal dunes. Preferred nesting sites have open sandy ground with sparse vegetation and full sun exposure.

Distribution

Found throughout Florida scrub and other habitats within the Atlantic coastal plain. It is located primarily in the southeastern United States, particularly from Louisiana to Florida and North Carolina.

Diet

Pogonomyrmex badius primarily consumes seeds and insects, with a preference for protein-rich food items over seeds. Commonly harvested grass species include Paspalum setaceum, Dicanthelium commutatum, and Croton michauxii.

Life Cycle

Colonies reach sexual maturity when the population exceeds ~700 workers. Reproduction includes nuptial flights occurring primarily from May to June, with peaks following heavy rain. Newly mated queens establish new colonies, often working together temporarily before founding individually.

Reproduction

Alates (winged reproductive individuals) mate on the surface of their parent nest, and newly mated queens rely on fat reserves for sustenance while founding colonies, demonstrating a claustral lifestyle.

Predators

Natural predators include various vertebrates that may be deterred by the potent neurotoxic venom of the ants.

Conservation Status

Considered a "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" (SGCN) in Louisiana.

Ecosystem Role

Pogonomyrmex badius plays a role in seed dispersal and serves as a key prey species for larger predators, including the Texas horned lizard.

Health Concerns

P. badius possesses a potent sting that is highly neurotoxic, comparable to some snake venoms but typically requires multiple stings to cause harm. They are generally docile but may sting if threatened.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collection
• Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Drying
• Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

• Other species of Pogonomyrmex
• Red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus)

Misconceptions

Despite their potent sting, Pavonomyrmex badius is not aggressive and will only sting when provoked. They are often mischaracterized as a more dangerous pest species than they really are.

Tags

• Harvester Ant
• Pogonomyrmex
• Florida
• Polymorphism
• Ecosystem Role