Maricopa Harvester Ant

Pogonomyrmex maricopa

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Pogonomyrmecini
Genus: Pogonomyrmex
Species: maricopa

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pogonomyrmex maricopa: //poʊɡoʊnoʊˈmɜrmɛks ˌmærɪˈkoʊpə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pogonomyrmex venom by Justin O. Schmidt. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pogonomyrmex maricopa casent0005712 head 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pogonomyrmex maricopa casent0005712 dorsal 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Maricopa harvester ant (Formicidae- Pogonomyrmex maricopa) (32310083356) by Insects Unlocked
. Used under a CC0 license.

Maricopa harvester ant (Formicidae- Pogonomyrmex maricopa) (32310083376) by Insects Unlocked
. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Pogonomyrmex maricopa, known as the Maricopa harvester ant, is recognized for its highly toxic venom and its role in the ecosystem, particularly in soil enrichment and decomposition.

Physical Characteristics

They lack propodeal spines, have a straight anterior edge to their clypeus, and are larger and more strongly punctate in the intrarugal areas than P. californicus.

Habitat

Their nest mounds incorporate rocks and gravel and are constructed in fine sand dune areas with cemented caps.

Distribution

Common in Arizona, but also found in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Mexican states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a major role in decomposition by dragging dead carcasses of insects underground, enriching soil for plants and crops.

Health Concerns

Their venom is believed to be the most toxic insect venom in the world, causing intense pain that can last up to four hours in humans.