Morphologically Distinct
Every species of ant is morphologically distinct from one another. The differences can be major, like a pair of long mandibles which can shut at 240km/h, or minor, like a tiny difference in the length of the hair on the abdomen. But the distinctions always exist between different species. The ant pictured here in this candid portrait is Pogonomyrmex rugosus, or the rough harvester ant. This particular photograph was taken in St. George, Utah, next to a walmart parking lot of all places! Colonies of P. rugosus vary in coloring depending on locality, and of all the colonies I have observed on the road trip I took, this was my favorite (I observed over 20 different locality morphs). The black, striated head contrasts nicely with the red soil of St. george. In the background you can see an angry worker rearing up towards the camera. Which contrasts with the seclusive behavior of our main subject.
