Title: Kleptoparasitism of Harvester Ants by the Giant Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ingens) in the Carrizo Plain, California.
Authors: Kline, Matthew Polvorosa; Alvarez, Jeff A.; Parizeau, Nicole
Abstract: Abstract. Kangaroo rats are reported to have a mutualistic relationship with harvester ants through facilitation of burrow establishment, creation, and persistence. The relationship can, however, become more complex. We report observations of the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens), a state and federally listed endangered species, repeatedly kleptoparasitizing harvester ants from a nearby nest in the Carrizo Plain, California. Though the relationship between kangaroo rats and harvester ants has been studied extensively and is believed to be mutualistic, under certain conditions this relationship can follow an alternate path of parasitism.
Subjects: CARRIZO Plain (Calif.); CALIFORNIA; KANGAROO rats; KLEPTOPARASITISM; HARVESTER ants; MUTUALISM (Biology); ENDANGERED species; ANIMAL behavior
Publication: Western North American Naturalist, 2018, Vol 78, Issue 2, p208
ISSN: 1527-0904
Publication type: Academic Journal
DOI: 10.3398/064.078.0212

Kleptoparasitism of Harvester Ants by the Giant Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ingens) in the Carrizo Plain, California.

Kline, Matthew Polvorosa; Alvarez, Jeff A.; Parizeau, Nicole