tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629602865933201771.post2012360888539300976..comments2023-05-08T21:42:05.380-04:00Comments on Blue Jay Barrens: Harvester AntsSteve Willsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02098584432333519732noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629602865933201771.post-43267576463675968942021-02-27T12:11:50.900-05:002021-02-27T12:11:50.900-05:00Hi, Kevin. In general, most California species ar...Hi, Kevin. In general, most California species are a different genera than those species found here in southern Ohio, so there's bound to be some behavioral differences. I think the red California harvester ant is the same species that came with an ant farm I received as a kid back in the 60's.<br /><br />Since ants rely a lot on chemical communication, it makes sense that some species could be sensitive to odors produced by potential predators. I'll see what happens the next time I run into this species.Steve Willsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02098584432333519732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629602865933201771.post-24659460320167892072021-02-27T10:15:57.927-05:002021-02-27T10:15:57.927-05:00Interesting. They looking incredibly different fro...Interesting. They looking incredibly different from the two species of Harvester Ants I know in San Diego County when growing up. There are two, one Red Ants and the other Black Harvester Ants. The Black are much bigger than the reds and more agreesive in that they mow down all vegetation materials in the building of various highways to food sources from the main entrance of their nests. The Red never do that. In both they are all the same size, probably about the size of your big ones there. <br /><br />Not sure if it's the same, but try photographing when you are down wind of the Ants. If you are upwind they will aggressively come towards you are the moecules in the air they some how detect and become aggitated. Just an idea, you can test it out.<br /><br />Thanks for the pics and video.Chaparral Earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618976919417073750noreply@blogger.com