Environmental Effects of Western Harvester Ants on the Shortgrass Plains Ecosystem
1

Rogers, L.E.; Lavigne, Robert J

doi:10.1093/ee/3.6.994

Cited by 55 publications

(27 citation statements)

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“…by altering the number and distribution of seeds (Pulliam & Brand, 1975). Seed predators alter soil nutrient levels (Coffin & Lauenroth, 1990), create soil disturbances (Rogers & Lavigne, 1974), and defend territories that can alter granivore search patterns (HoK lldobler & Wilson, 1990).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Granivores, exclosures, and seed banks: harvester ants and rodents in sagebrush-steppe

Anderson

MacMahon

2001

Journal of Arid Environments

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Granivores, exclosures, and seed banks: harvester ants and rodents in sagebrush-steppe

Anderson

MacMahon

2001

Journal of Arid Environments

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“…On the Cimarron National Grassland, total harvester ant densities were similar to densities of P. occidentalis in heavily grazed pastures of northeastern Colorado (Rogers and Lavigne 1974). However, P. occidentalis densities on the Nagel (1969) suggested that mated queen P. occidentalis select areas of rangeland with sparse vegetation and soils with high light reflectance, typical of over-grazed areas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Likewise, Kirkham (1967) did not find any differences in Pogonomyrmex owyheei Cole densities in Wyoming due to different grazing intensities over a 10-year period. Likewise, in northern Colorado, light and moderate grazing resulted in 22% and 33% increases in harvester ant colony densities, but heavy grazing reduced colony density by 87% (statistical analyses were not presented) compared to the ungrazed sites (Rogers and Lavigne 1974). In northern Colorado P. occidentalis densities are negatively associated with vegetative succession on abandoned fields, with the greatest concentrations found in areas with abundant forbs and perennial grasses, and lower densities in late succession shortgrass stages (Costello 1944).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Harvester ants are locally abundant and are considered pests in rangelands where densities are high. These ants may alter plant community structure by denuding vegetation and harvesting seeds and litter surrounding colonies (Rogers and Lavigne 1974). Hewitt et al (1974) state that harvester ants have the most consistent impact on rangeland of any insect other than grasshoppers.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hewitt et al (1974) state that harvester ants have the most consistent impact on rangeland of any insect other than grasshoppers. Ants also are considered important contributors to soil formation (Rogers and Lavigne 1974). Because earthworms are not abundant in semiarid rangelands, the ant is the most important invertebrate that moves soil vertically (Jacot 1936).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prairie dog effects on harvester ant species diversity and density

Kretzer¹,

Cully²

2001

REM

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The purpose of this study was to determine if black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus Ord) influence harvester ant nest density and species composition within the shortgrass prairie biome of southwestern Kansas. Two treatments were established: areas colonized by prairie dogs and areas not colonized by prairie dogs. We recorded 183 harvester ant nests of 3 species. Harvester ant nest density did not differ significantly between prairie dog colonies (3.08 nests ha -1 ) and non-colonized shortgrass prairie sites (4.54 nests ha -1 ), but species composition did. Pogonomyrmex rugosus Emery was the most frequent species on prairie dog colonies where it accounted for 87% of ant nests present, as opposed to 33% on sites where prairie dogs were absent. Pogonomyrmex barbatus Smith was the most abundant species on non-colonized areas, making up 49% of the ant nests sampled. Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Cresson comprised 11% of ant nests sampled, and was nearly absent from prairie dog colonies (20 nests on non-colonized sites vs. 1 nest on prairie dog colonies). The average number of harvester ant species found per site was consistently greater on sites where prairie dogs were absent.

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Dispersal Ecology of Carex Pedunculata (Cyperaceae), a New North American Myrmecochore

Handel

1976

American J of Botany

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Carex pedunculata is the first North American species of the Cyperaceae that is identified as a myrmecochore. Many morphological and phenological features of this species and its breeding system are interpreted as adaptive for seed dispersal by ants. In laboratory tests, workers of the ant species Aphaenogaster rudis carry the diaspores to the nest, eat the elaiosomes, carry larvae to the elaiosomes to feed, and deposit diaspores whose elaiosomes have been eaten with other nest debris. The achenes then germinate. Achenes will also germinate without any handling by ants. Workers will also transport diaspores with uneaten elaiosomes when the nest is disturbed. Greenhouse tests show that seedling growth is greatly inhibited if a diaspore remains near the parent plant and cohort seedlings. Field studies of natural populations identify rotting logs (the location of ant nests) as forest floor microsites for colonization of C. pedunculata and other myrmecochores. Ant nesting behavior may pattern much of the herb stratum. This species is self‐compatible, and single seeds may start successful new populations. Three processes contribute to population growth: vegetative growth, germination of untransported diaspores, and germination of ant‐transported diaspores.

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Environmental Effects of Western Harvester Ants on the Shortgrass Plains Ecosystem 1

Cited by 55 publications

References 0 publications

Granivores, exclosures, and seed banks: harvester ants and rodents in sagebrush-steppe

Granivores, exclosures, and seed banks: harvester ants and rodents in sagebrush-steppe

Prairie dog effects on harvester ant species diversity and density

Dispersal Ecology of Carex Pedunculata (Cyperaceae), a New North American Myrmecochore

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