Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can HLs be maintained on Formica obscuripes? P. douglasii and P. platyrhinos are the local species here. I have a xeric yard with rocky and sandy areas and several ant species, but the only Pogonomyrmex are a small species and not numerous. The thatch ants on the other hand are QUITE numerous and trail to areas throughout the yard. If either species of lizard can maintain themselves healthily on these ants I could raise a whole herd of 'em.

If someone has experience or knowledge about these ants and Horny Toads I would love you to share it.

Kainan

There has been some study done, I found these references after a quick search which according to the interent listing also includes the specie your interested in:

Fair, W.S., and S.E. Henke. 1997. "Effects of habitat manipulations on Texas horned lizards and their prey." J. Wildl. Manag. 61:1366-1370.
Munger, J.C. 1984a. "Optimal foraging? Patch use by horned lizards (Iguanidae: Phrynosoma)." Am. Naturalist 123: 654-680.
-. 1984b. "Long-term yield from harvester ant colonies: implications for horned lizard foraging strategy." Ecology 65:1077-1086.
Munger, J.C. 1992. "Reproductive potential of colonies of desert harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex desertorum): effects of predation and food." Oecologia 90:276-282.
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Phrynosoma.com

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