Pogonomyrmex subdentatus

Mayr, 1870

Pogonomyrmex subdentatus is a of in the Pogonomyrmex, described by Mayr in 1870. It is native to the western United States, with records from California and Nevada, and possibly Oregon and Colorado. As a harvester ant, it belongs to a group known for seed collection, nest construction, and potent defensive stings. The species is one of at least six native species documented in the vicinity of the Häagen-Dazs Haven at UC Davis, California.

Pogonomyrmex subdentatus by (c)
April Nobile, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pogonomyrmex subdentatus casent0173367 label 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pogonomyrmex subdentatus casent0173363 label 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pogonomyrmex subdentatus: /ˌpoʊ.ɡə.noʊˈmɜr.mɛks ˌsʌb.dɛnˈteɪ.təs/

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

Images

Habitat

Found in arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States. Observed in the vicinity of the Häagen-Dazs Haven at UC Davis, California, where it occurs alongside other native including Formica aerata and Solenopsis xyloni.

Distribution

Native to California and Nevada, with possible occurrence in Oregon and Colorado. Documented in the vicinity of UC Davis, California.

Diet

As a (Pogonomyrmex), seed collection is the primary foraging . Specific dietary preferences for P. subdentatus have not been documented.

Similar Taxa

Pogonomyrmex californicusBoth are California-native harvester ants in the same , sharing seed-harvesting and ecological roles as engineers
Pogonomyrmex occidentalisWestern harvester ant with similar geographic range and nest-building ; both are large, conspicuous harvester ants in western North America
Pogonomyrmex rugosusAnother western North American with similar seed-collecting and preferences in arid regions

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Gustav Mayr in 1870, with the specific epithet 'subdentatus' referring to the subdentate (partially toothed) condition of mandibular or clypeal structures characteristic of this

Research context

Documented by Phil Ward during surveys of native ants at the Häagen-Dazs Haven, UC Davis, where it was noted as one of six native ant in the vicinity, distinguished from the introduced Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) which had not colonized the garden