Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ant) Photography Session

_Pogonomyrmex_ _occidentalis_ worker

I took advantage of another sunny Spring day here in Southwestern Colorado to get some Pogonomyrmex occidentalis photos from our back yard. I figured the mostly-cool temperatures would keep the ants relatively sluggish, while the sunshine would get them just warm enough to be active.

That plan mostly worked out, in that I was able to get some photos of them without too much drama.

_Pogonomyrmex_ _occidentalis_ worker. As I started to photograph her, she was walking slowly. Then, she seemed to notice me. She stopped and seemed to stare at me. A couple of seconds after this photo was taken, she charged at the camera.

I was again struck, though, by just how defensive/aggressive these ants are. They would catch sight of me from several feet away, then come running towards me with their jaws spread wide.

This behavior was disconcerting. When I’m photographing ants, I’ve got to get the macro lens within a couple of inches of the subject and hold it until I get a good focus. I also need to crouch low onto the ground if I want to get the low-angle shots that I prefer.

It’s hard to do that, and pay attention to the mechanics of taking the photo, when there are dozens of homicidal ants charging me.

A pose with which I became very familiar - _Pogonomyrmex_ _occidentalis_ worker charges, with jaws agape

These ants seem quite a bit more aggressive than other Pogos I’ve worked with, such a Pogonomyrmex barbatus and Pogonomyrmex rugosus. I don’t recall being ‘chased’ by those ants, though it’s common with Pogonomyrmex occidentalis.

I wonder if the increased defensiveness has anything to do with being a relatively high-elevation Harvester Ant, one that evolved with the great herds of Bison?

_Pogonomyrmex_ _occidentalis_ worker

In any case, I was still grateful for these cool, sunny days, and the way they slowed these Pogos down.