Pogonomyrmex maricopa
| Maricopa Harvester Ant | |
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| Genus: | Pogonomyrmex
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| Species: | P. maricopa
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| Pogonomyrmex maricopa Wheeler, 1914
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The Maricopa Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex maricopa) is one of the most common species of harvester ant species found in Arizona,[1] and is considered the most venomous insect in the world.
Their nest mounds are likely to incorporate rocks and gravel. The ants construct cemented caps on the sand mound nests in a fine sand dune area. The caps are approximately 60% calcium carbonate that is transported from the underlying calcium carbonate layers, and protect the nest structure from being eroded away during high-wind periods. Partial erosion of the cemented caps adds calcium carbonate to the sand dune soils. [2]
References
- ^ Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.) — Urban Integrated Pest Management
- ^ Walter G. Whitford. "The functional significance of cemented nest caps of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex maricopa". doi:10.1006/jare.2002.1039.
External links
- Anne Marie Helmenstine. "World's Most Venomous Insect". About.com.
- W. L. Meyer (1 May 1996). "Chapter 23 — Most Toxic Insect Venom". Book of Insect Records. University of Florida.
- Pogonomyrmex maricopa taxonomy — ITIS Standard Report Page
- Pogonomyrmex maricopa (Maricopa Harvester Ant) photos