Novomessor

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Tribe: Stenammini
Genus: Novomessor

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Novomessor: //ˌnoʊvoʊˈmɛsɔr//

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

Images

Distribution of Novomessor albisetosus by Steve Shattuck. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Aphaenogaster albisetosa casent0102824 dorsal 1 by Jen Fogarty. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphaenogaster albisetosa casent0102824 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphaenogaster albisetosa casent0102824 label 1 by Jen Fogarty. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphaenogaster cockerelli castype00622 head 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Novomessor cockerelli is a large harvester ant species found in arid regions of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, characterized by its aggressive foraging behavior and its unique nesting habits, including the recruitment of workers for scavenging activities.

Physical Characteristics

Large brown ant with a blackish gaster, long legs, and an elongated head. Recognized by two distinctive spines on the propodeum.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from Novomessor albisetosus by the shape of its head; has long curved setae on the underside of the head.

Habitat

Upland plains, arid areas including deserts with ocotillo, cactus, creosote bush, mesquite, sagebrush, and thorn scrub at altitudes of 518 to 1,877 m (1,699 to 6,158 ft) above sea level.

Distribution

Southwestern United States including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and northern Mexico in states like Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, and Nuevo León.

Diet

Predominantly predator-scavengers of other arthropods, opportunistically gather seeds and other plant parts, though many end up as nest entrance adornments. Corpses of insects make up nearly half of their diet.

Life Cycle

Nuptial flights occur in July at dusk; newly mated females remove their wings and must found new colonies independently. Workers alternate between foraging and tending the brood.

Reproduction

Each colony has a single queen, and workers prevent other colony members from laying viable eggs. Workers lay trophic eggs for the queen to eat.

Ecosystem Role

Act as scavengers and predators of other arthropods, competing with seed-eating ants for resources.

Evolution

Recent phylogenetic analysis supports the classification of Novomessor as a distinct genus, related to Veromessor and Aphaenogaster.