Effects of Shading on the Migratory Behavior of the Florida Harvestor Ant, Pogonomyremex Badius

Abstract

Shading of the mound surfaces of a series of Pogonomyrmex badius colonies caused an increase in the number of migrations to new colony sites. Only 18% of the control colonies moved, while all of the shaded colonies moved at least once. The shading caused a reduction in soil temperature to a depth of 50 cm. It is speculated that the reduction in soil temperature interfered with the normal development of the brood and the colonies' response was migration to a new site. Since it invokes a predictable response, shading may be an excellent tool for future experimental studies into the behavior of P. badius.