50 
Psyche 
[June 
like that of a relict species — rare, patchy in distribution, 
disconnected with its relatives, and correlated with a sim- 
ilar distribution of other taxonomically unrelated organ- 
isms. The cause of such a relict distribution in this case 
is not immediately evident, and it seems best not to spec- 
ulate on this phase of the problem. On the other hand, 
the Owl Canyon pinyons may not be true relicts of a 
former more widespread vegetation type on the east slope 
because none of the herbaceous flora commonly associated 
with pinyons is present 2 . Also, one difficulty with a re- 
lict interpretation of the Glenwood Springs record of 
lobognathus, is that while pinyon does grow in the area, 
it is in no way a relict stand. 
Control of distribution by a soil factor deserves con- 
sideration. Both the Owl Canyon site and the Glenwood 
Springs area have limestone outcroppings. Surface ex- 
posures of this rock are not abundant in Colorado, and 
some plants seem to show a correlation with those that 
do exist. Whether we can extend this reasoning to ants, 
and the particuar case in question, is highly uncertain. In 
general, ants do not show the correlations with the chem- 
ical constitution of the soil that is so often true of plants. 
Their protoplasm is relatively protected and insulated from 
direct soil contact as opposed to the roots of plants. Some 
soil-ant relationships have been observed, however, but in 
such cases the effect on the ants seems to be that of the 
physical nature (texture) of the soil particles. 
It is hoped that when the localities where V. lobognathus 
occurs are revisited, it will be possible to find the species 
again and study the behavior of this singular ant. At 
least it will be easier in the future to detect its presence 
in a habitat, and this may lead to the discovery of addi- 
tional records. Until then, the distribution of this insect 
remains very problematical. 
Specimens of the ant have been deposited in the collec- 
tions of W. S. Creighton, the United States National Mu- 
seum, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 
information was secured from Dr. William A. Weber. 
