Pogonomyrmex of the Navajo Reservation

Pogonomyrmex

This genus is found throughout the arid desert zones and the mid elevation mesa zones on up to Juniper Pinon Woodlands.

This key to workers is based on


 * Cole, A. C., Jr. 1968. Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. A study of the genus in North America. Knoxville, Tenn.: University of Tennessee Press, x + 222 pp.


 * Johnson, R. Key to Pogonomyrmex []
 * [[Media:Taber 1998.pdf|Taber, S. W. 1998. The world of harvester ants. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University Press, xvii + 213 pp.: 213pp PDF]]

At present 6 species of Pogonomyrmex are known within the Navajo Reservation, as additional ant species are discovered, they  will be added to the key below.

(based on the worker caste)
 * Key to Pogonomyrmex on the Navajo Reservation

1

 * In side view, postpetiole enlarged, its height as great or greater than its length, he ventral process conspicuous and bulbous; ventral surface of head with short to medium length hairs forming a more or less distinct psammophore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2


 * In side view, postpetiole relatively small, longer than tall, ventral process weakly developed, not notably bulbous; psammophore well developed, lateroventral surface of head with a ring of conspicuous long hairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 (1)

 * Lateral lobe of clypeus with a prominent tooth-like projection below each antennal socket; mesosoma and petiole with short dark, straight hairs . . . . . Pogonomyrmex imberbiculus / Navajo species page)
 * Lateral lobe of clypeus without a prominent tooth-like projection below each antennal socket; mesosoma and petiole with long white, flexuous hairs. . . .Pogonomyrmex huachucanus / Navajo species page)

3 (1)

 * Cephalic rugae very coarse, widely spaced, usually wavy. Anteroventral margin of peduncle with one to several erect hairs extending downward, head darker than gaster Pogonomyrmex rugosus /  Navajo species page
 * Anteroventral margin of peduncle lacking erect hairs, head, mesosoma and gaster lighter in color. . . . . 4

4 (2)

 * Propodeum with spines, basal tooth of mandible deflected posteriorly . . . . . Pogonomyrmex occidentalis


 * Propodeum without spines, basal tooth of mandible with same orientation as other teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5 (4)

 * Cephalic interrugal punctulation rather strong; interrugal spaces subopaque; in lateral view, metanotal groove impressed. . . . . Pogonomyrmex maricopa


 * Cephalic interrugal punctulation absent to moderate; interrugal spaces strongly shining; in lateral view, metanotal groove usually not impressed, forming a smooth continuous profile. . . . . Pogonomyrmex californicus