Harvester Ants of California
The state of California is one of the most diverse states in the country when it comes to ants. Some of the most iconic ants in California are harvester ants. Harvester ants are unique because one of their primary food sources is seeds. They gather seeds and bring them into their nests, which over time accumulate to create seed storages of impressive proportions. The ants then break down the seeds, and use this nutrition to feed both adult workers and developing larvae, as well as the queen. In California, the two major seed-harvesting genera are Veromessor and Pogonomyrmex. The two have a lot in common, as both are avid seed harvesters. However, there are a few notable differences. Veromessor within California are often polymorphic (multiple sizes of workers), as is seen in the common desert species Veromessor pergandei . Pogonomyrmex within California are exclusively monomorphic (single worker size). Additionally, Pogonomyrmex species have convex thoraxes, while Veromes