Distribution of Myrmecocystus mexicanus (Hymenoptera : Formicidae): Association with Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Authors
Cole, BJ Haight, K Wiernasz, DC
Citation
Bj. Cole et al., Distribution of Myrmecocystus mexicanus (Hymenoptera : Formicidae): Association with Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Hymenoptera : Formicidae), ANN ENT S A, 94(1), 2001, pp. 59-63
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Entomology/Pest Control
Journal title
ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
ISSN journal
00138746 → ACNP
Volume
94
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
59 - 63
Database
ISI
SICI code
0013-8746(200101)94:1<59:DOMM(:>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
We examined the spatial pattern of the ant Myrmecocystus mexicanus Wesmael. Although intraspecific dispersion is highly uniform, colonies were signifi cantly associated with reproductively mature nests of the harvester ant Pog onomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson). Colonies of M. mexicanus were more likely to be found within 3 m of P. occidentalis and less likely to be found as f ar as 10 m away. The protein component of the diet of M. mexicanus at this site is almost exclusively dead or moribund workers of P. occidentalis. M. mexicanus appears to associate with one of its consistent food sources.