Pogonomyrmex rastratus

Field experiments studying foraging in P. rastratus were conducted in the Monte Desert, Argentina (Pol et al. 2015). Pogonomyrmex rastratus are solitary foragers. The sum of their foraging efforts, in terms of the area covered, suggests their nest surroundings are continuously and thoroughly explored for food. Pogonomyrmex rastratus primarily collect grass seeds from spring to autumn but can be somewhat flexible. When seeds are scarce, the proportion of non-grass seeds items in their diet increases. Colony size is modest, from 300 - 1100 workers.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Argentina.

Diet
Dietary preferences of these seed harvesting ants have been studied in the Monte Desert (Biosphere Reserve of Ñacuñán ), Argentina (see Pirk et. al 2011). In choice tests this species preferred seeds of grass species to those of forbs and shrub.

Nomenclature

 *  rastratus. Pogonomyrmex rastratus Mayr, 1868b: 171 (w.) ARGENTINA. Mayr, 1887: 611 (m.). Senior synonym of neuquensis, weiseri: Kusnezov, 1951a: 252. Current subspecies: nominal plus pulchellus.
 * neuquensis. Pogonomyrmex weiseri var. neuquensis Santschi, 1922d: 243 (w.) ARGENTINA. Junior synonym of rastratus: Kusnezov, 1951a: 252.
 * weiseri. Pogonomyrmex weiseri Santschi, 1922b: 348 (w.q.m.) ARGENTINA. Junior synonym of rastratus: Kusnezov, 1951a: 252.