Seasonal Effects of Abiotic Factors and Nutrient Sources on the Feeding Activity of the Harvester Ant Species Messor semirufus (André, 1883)

Harvester ants are species of ants that survive by collecting seeds. In this study, we planned to examine seasonal effects of abiotic factors and nutrient sources on the feeding activity of the harvester ant species Messor semirufus (André, 1883). Activation rhythms and feeding regimes were observed for M. semirufus workers in three seasons, spring, summer and autumn, for one year. Abiotic factor measurements were made every month and the recorded values were recorded in the follow-up tables. It was determined which plant seeds M. semirufus workers preferred from the plants naturally growing in the observed nest habitat. In addition, different food seeds that are not naturally found in the nest habitat of M. semirufus were placed near the nest and seed preferences among these were observed and noted. Activation of M. semirufus workers was at its maximum level when the soil temperature reached 30°C. Two plant families that M. semirufus prefers the most in the natural environment are the Poaceae (Grains) and Asteraceae (Daisy) seeds. On the other hand, in experimental studies on seed preferences, 12 types of seeds with different nutritional values, separate from the plants in the natural environment, were left around the M. semirufus nest. Of these, wheat, which contains 61% carbohydrates, was the most preferred seed by workers. The workers' second choice was flaxseed, which contains more oil. The later preferred types are oat, spinach seed, sesame, millet, chickpea seeds. Safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, hemp and broad bean are among the seeds that are not preferred.