Spatial patterns of seed removal by harvester ants in a seed tray experiment

Using a selection of native grass and forb seeds commonly seeded in local restoration projects, we conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effects of seed species, distance of seed patches from nests, and distance between patches on patterns of seed removal by Owyhee harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex salinus (Olsen) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). To provide context for ants’ seed preferences, we evaluated differences in handling time among seed species. In addition, we assessed the influences of cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum (L.) (Poales: Poaceae), and Sandberg bluegrass, Poa secunda (J. Presl), cover on seed removal. We found significant differences in removal rates among seed species. In general, seeds placed closer to nests were more vulnerable to predation than those placed farther away, and seeds in closely spaced patches were more vulnerable than seeds in widely spaced patches. However, the strength of these effects differed by seed species. Differences in handling time among seed speci..., , , # Spatial patterns of seed removal by harvester ants in a seed tray experiment

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtnd](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtnd)

This dataset includes six spreadsheets (seedtrayexperimentdata.csv, controlsitedata.csv, seedhandlingdata.csv, collectedforagedata.csv, groundcoverdata.csv, and trunktraildirections.csv) and the associated analysis script (grossklausetalanalysis.R).

## Metadata

**Seed tray experiment data (seedtrayexperimentdata.csv)**

tray = unique tray identifier in the format: week.colony.tray
week = week of experiment; 1-9
colony = unique colony identifier
juliandate = Julian date
central direction = direction of center point for tray placement; degrees clockwise from North
traydirection = direction of individual tray; degrees clockwise from North
within_10 = binary variable specifying whether tray is within a 10-degree wedge around nearest trunk trail; 0 = no, 1 = yes
within_20 = binary variable specifying whether tray is within a 20-...