ANTS 173 



plains of the United States, has become a distinct pest 

 since man has begun to occupy the prairies. Their large 

 mound-nests in fields of alfalfa or grain become serious 

 obstacles to harvesting the crops. Moreover, when the 

 nests are disturbed the ants emerge in large numbers and 

 attack man and beast, inflicting painful wounds with 

 their stings. In dooryards and lawns and along paths 

 they are liable to attack the passer-by, especially dawdling 

 children. 



The agricultural ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus mole- 

 faciens) of Texas may build its mound-nests in fields 

 of alfalfa, corn, or cotton, and since it allows no vegetation 

 to grow over a considerable area around the nest, the in- 

 jury may be quite serious. Moreover, they are pugna- 

 cious and sting intruders severely. 



Perhaps the most injurious role assumed by ants is 

 their protection and fostering of plant-lice, scale insects, 

 and tree-hoppers. Aphids and scale insects are among 

 our most injurious insect pests and anything that pro- 

 tects them or aids them in increasing may be considered 

 an enemy to man. 



As a pest, the Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) 

 stands by itself. Newell says, "As a household pest I 

 venture the opinion that this ant has no equal in the United 

 States." 



KINDS OF ANTS TROUBLESOME IN DWELLINGS 



There are several species of ants that may become annoy- 

 ing in dwelling-houses in temperate regions, but perhaps 

 the best-known species are the tiny red ant (Monomor- 

 ium pharaonis) and the small black ant (Monomoriwn 



