I am happy to announce the launch of my new e-commerce website, Suzanne M Matheson |
"While rare’s goal is to steward its sites and ecosystems intact in perpetuity, for the community to enjoy, forever, in a natural state, it also promotes the lands as a living laboratory for research — including in-house monitoring programs and partnerships with other institutions, community-based scientists, artists and Indigenous Peoples. Research then informs restoration practices and education programs through a Chain of Learning that reaches even the youngest learners in a program called Every Child Outdoors (ECO), a model of active, hands-on, problem-based environmental learning, driven by inquiry in the out-of-doors. We are a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary site where resources can be used most sustainably to tackle big questions as comprehensively as possible, and where ideas can soar in an environment that fosters cross-pollination involving different knowledge systems that come from diverse backgrounds including (but not limited to) the social sciences, humanities, archaeology, psychology and the arts, to name a few. We bring together internationally-renowned experts, aspiring early-career researchers, artists and the larger community." |
Newman Lab Ecophysiology of Stress, University of Guelph
"The Newman Lab asks novel questions about the long-term effects of early-life stress and examines the impacts of modified landscapes, such as urbanization and agriculturalization, on wildlife behaviour, physiology and fitness. It is critical, especially as the environment changes, that we understand the impacts of environmental stress on physiology and behaviour in order to predict long-term outcomes, inform conservation decisions, and uncover important translational biomedical insights using novel animal model systems.” - Amy Newman
Ontario Butterfly Species at Risk Recovery Team
The Ontario Butterfly Species at Risk Recovery Team works on provincial and national efforts to protect and restore Ontario's butterfly species at risk. Presently, there are only small, scattered populations of Erynnis martialis (Mottled Duskywing) in Ontario. Once plentiful in Pinery Provincial Park, through preservation of the Pinery’s existing oak savanna, the OBSARRT hopes to reintroduce and ultimately establish a self-sustaining population of endangered butterfly, E. martialis, to this oak savanna habitat, on the southern shore of Lake Huron.
To learn more about:
- the Mottled Duskywing recovery project, please follow OBSARRT
- Erynnis martialis butterfly, please follow Mottled Duskywing
- Ceanothus americanus plant, please follow New Jersey Tea
- species at risk recovery, in general, and how to be a good steward, please follow "About Species at Risk Recovery in Ontario"
These projects were completed in fulfillment of certificate requirements from the
Scientific Illustration Distance Program. www.gretchenhalpert-distanceprogram.com.
Scientific Illustration Distance Program. www.gretchenhalpert-distanceprogram.com.
Digital Stock Illustrations
The catalogue of images is steadily growing, so please check in frequently.
If you're not finding the perfect illustration(s) for your project I will be happy
to accommodate you. To get started, check out my FAQ page.
If you're not finding the perfect illustration(s) for your project I will be happy
to accommodate you. To get started, check out my FAQ page.
Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Hymenoptera Family: Formicidae
Species Status in Ontario: genus Aphaenogaster worker ants are abundant
in North American hardwood forests
Species Status in Ontario: genus Aphaenogaster worker ants are abundant
in North American hardwood forests
Family, Formicidae:
This is the highly social insect family we know as ants. They evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors during the Cretaceous period and became more diverse after the proliferation of flowering plants. They are distinguished by “elbow” antennae and the distinct node-like structure forming their slender waist.
Ants live in colonies that range significantly in size depending on the species. The larger colonies have a caste structure, consisting of sterile, wingless worker and soldier females, a much smaller number of fertile “drone” males, and one or more fertile female “queens”. Superorganism is a term used to describe an ant colony, as the ants appear to operate as a unified whole.
Apart from Antarctica and a few remote islands, family Formicidae has colonized every landmass on Earth. It is believed that this family makes up 15-25% of the Earth’s terrestrial animal biomass. Besides social organisation, their ability to modify habitats, tap resources and defend themselves accounts for their vast presence. As a result of their long co-evolution, ants have developed various types of relationships with other species, including relationships termed mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic.
Genus, Aphaenogaster:
Aphaenogaster is a large, diverse genus, found throughout the world, with exceptions being southern South America, southern Africa, Antarctica and a few remote, inhospitable islands.
I find the North American species elegant. They have an elongate and slender habitus (general appearance), with a head that is usually longer than broad. Their large, convex eyes are placed on the head at the middle. The dorsal portion of the workers’ mesothorax (mesonotum) is elongate and depressed. The first abdominal segment, fused with the thorax to form the mesosoma (propodeum), usually has a pair of spines or small teeth. The antennal club, consisting of four segments, is poorly defined.
This is the highly social insect family we know as ants. They evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors during the Cretaceous period and became more diverse after the proliferation of flowering plants. They are distinguished by “elbow” antennae and the distinct node-like structure forming their slender waist.
Ants live in colonies that range significantly in size depending on the species. The larger colonies have a caste structure, consisting of sterile, wingless worker and soldier females, a much smaller number of fertile “drone” males, and one or more fertile female “queens”. Superorganism is a term used to describe an ant colony, as the ants appear to operate as a unified whole.
Apart from Antarctica and a few remote islands, family Formicidae has colonized every landmass on Earth. It is believed that this family makes up 15-25% of the Earth’s terrestrial animal biomass. Besides social organisation, their ability to modify habitats, tap resources and defend themselves accounts for their vast presence. As a result of their long co-evolution, ants have developed various types of relationships with other species, including relationships termed mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic.
Genus, Aphaenogaster:
Aphaenogaster is a large, diverse genus, found throughout the world, with exceptions being southern South America, southern Africa, Antarctica and a few remote, inhospitable islands.
I find the North American species elegant. They have an elongate and slender habitus (general appearance), with a head that is usually longer than broad. Their large, convex eyes are placed on the head at the middle. The dorsal portion of the workers’ mesothorax (mesonotum) is elongate and depressed. The first abdominal segment, fused with the thorax to form the mesosoma (propodeum), usually has a pair of spines or small teeth. The antennal club, consisting of four segments, is poorly defined.
Description/Morphology:
Aphaenogaster picea is named for its dark red/brown coloration. The ants you are most likely to see above ground, the workers, are 4-6 cm, while their queen is 7-8 cm. This species is very similar to A. rudis, but can be easily distinguished by the antennae, ending in a 4-segmented club that is lighter in colour. As well, A. picea workers have a lighter, some say “yellow” tipped, gaster (the bulbous posterior portion of the metasoma or abdomen).
Aphaenogaster picea is named for its dark red/brown coloration. The ants you are most likely to see above ground, the workers, are 4-6 cm, while their queen is 7-8 cm. This species is very similar to A. rudis, but can be easily distinguished by the antennae, ending in a 4-segmented club that is lighter in colour. As well, A. picea workers have a lighter, some say “yellow” tipped, gaster (the bulbous posterior portion of the metasoma or abdomen).
Range:
A. picea is an ant of northeastern North America, commonly found in eastern United States and eastern Canada. It has also been found in some Se states and Mexico.
Habitat:
This arboreal species is found in a wide range of forest habitats. While she prefers nesting in downed wood and old stumps, as an opportunist the gyne (queen) will nest under bark, under objects on the ground, in soil, or in any cavity with a suitable range of temperature and adequate protection. For this monogyne (having one queen) colony, leaf litter is an important element of its microhabitat.
Behaviour/Life Cycle:
A. picea are mostly diurnal, though they will also forage at night. Omnivorous forages, their preferred diet is insects, including termites, fruit flies, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms. Curiously, they refuse liquids, often covering up liquid sources.
Hibernation is accomplished by means of anti-freeze in their blood. The slow climate cool down activates this substance. In the wild they can survive extreme cold.
In terms of mating, their major flight is in August, after a light rain, though they have been known to fly before and after this summertime month.
Fertilized females will overwinter. In the spring, after egg-laying it takes 10-15 days for the larvae to form. Another 15-20 days are needed for their pupal transformation. They do not utilize a cocoon. Pupae become workers in yet another 15-20 days. The lengths of time are determined by temperature.
The forest benefits by the seed dispersal activity of this arboreal species. Enticed by the nutrient-rich elaiosome encasement of the diaspore (seeds of some plants, contained within a food-body), the workers carry these seeds back to their nest. This food source, rich in both lipids and oleic acid, is desirable for their developing larvae. While eating away the elaiosomes, the larvae do not injure the seeds. Once stripped, the seeds are discarded from the nest or cached in a midden underground. Away from the parent plant, protected from predators, the seeds, cast-away into soil made rich by the lifestyle of the ants, grow into new plant colonies.
A. picea is an ant of northeastern North America, commonly found in eastern United States and eastern Canada. It has also been found in some Se states and Mexico.
Habitat:
This arboreal species is found in a wide range of forest habitats. While she prefers nesting in downed wood and old stumps, as an opportunist the gyne (queen) will nest under bark, under objects on the ground, in soil, or in any cavity with a suitable range of temperature and adequate protection. For this monogyne (having one queen) colony, leaf litter is an important element of its microhabitat.
Behaviour/Life Cycle:
A. picea are mostly diurnal, though they will also forage at night. Omnivorous forages, their preferred diet is insects, including termites, fruit flies, crickets, meal worms, and wax worms. Curiously, they refuse liquids, often covering up liquid sources.
Hibernation is accomplished by means of anti-freeze in their blood. The slow climate cool down activates this substance. In the wild they can survive extreme cold.
In terms of mating, their major flight is in August, after a light rain, though they have been known to fly before and after this summertime month.
Fertilized females will overwinter. In the spring, after egg-laying it takes 10-15 days for the larvae to form. Another 15-20 days are needed for their pupal transformation. They do not utilize a cocoon. Pupae become workers in yet another 15-20 days. The lengths of time are determined by temperature.
The forest benefits by the seed dispersal activity of this arboreal species. Enticed by the nutrient-rich elaiosome encasement of the diaspore (seeds of some plants, contained within a food-body), the workers carry these seeds back to their nest. This food source, rich in both lipids and oleic acid, is desirable for their developing larvae. While eating away the elaiosomes, the larvae do not injure the seeds. Once stripped, the seeds are discarded from the nest or cached in a midden underground. Away from the parent plant, protected from predators, the seeds, cast-away into soil made rich by the lifestyle of the ants, grow into new plant colonies.
"Myrmecochory" depicts seed dispersal ants, Aphaenogaster picea, carrying diaspore
of myrmecochorous plant, Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium),
across a bed of Plagiomnium ciliare (Saber Tooth acrocarp) and
Ctenidium molluscum (Feather Comb pleurocarp) mosses.
of myrmecochorous plant, Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium),
across a bed of Plagiomnium ciliare (Saber Tooth acrocarp) and
Ctenidium molluscum (Feather Comb pleurocarp) mosses.
Dispersive Mutualism:
In terms of ecology, mutualism, one of several different types of symbiotic relationships, refers to one in which both species benefit. In traditional Indigenous sciences, such a relationship is seen as part of the gift-reciprocity networks and cycles. “Dispersive” mutualism is a relationship in which one species receives food in return for the transport of the other species’ offspring. In the case of bees and flowers, this would be “pollination”, nectar in exchange for pollen distribution. In the case of A. picea ants and some plants, this would be “myrmecochory”, elaiosome (food bodies) as larval nutrition in exchange for seed dispersal.
Myrmecochorous plants produce diaspore, seeds encased in nutrient-rich elaiosome, in order to attract ants for the purpose of having their seeds dispersed. From Ancient Greek, myrmecochory means, “circular dance”. Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium) is one such plant who joins in this beautiful circular dance with genus, Aphaenogaster.
Other Associations:
This ant, A. picea, is a preferred prey of Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander), also common in Ontario’s mesic woodlands.
In terms of ecology, mutualism, one of several different types of symbiotic relationships, refers to one in which both species benefit. In traditional Indigenous sciences, such a relationship is seen as part of the gift-reciprocity networks and cycles. “Dispersive” mutualism is a relationship in which one species receives food in return for the transport of the other species’ offspring. In the case of bees and flowers, this would be “pollination”, nectar in exchange for pollen distribution. In the case of A. picea ants and some plants, this would be “myrmecochory”, elaiosome (food bodies) as larval nutrition in exchange for seed dispersal.
Myrmecochorous plants produce diaspore, seeds encased in nutrient-rich elaiosome, in order to attract ants for the purpose of having their seeds dispersed. From Ancient Greek, myrmecochory means, “circular dance”. Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium) is one such plant who joins in this beautiful circular dance with genus, Aphaenogaster.
Other Associations:
This ant, A. picea, is a preferred prey of Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander), also common in Ontario’s mesic woodlands.
To learn more about:
- myrmecochory and the species mentioned in this blog, follow The Forest Project
- or follow The Forest Project blog
Digital Stock Illustrations
The catalogue of images is steadily growing, so please check in frequently.
If you're not finding the perfect illustration(s) for your project I will be happy to accommodate you. To get started, check out my FAQ page.
If you're not finding the perfect illustration(s) for your project I will be happy to accommodate you. To get started, check out my FAQ page.
Bibliography:
Asch, Michael, John Borrows, & James Tully. Resurgence and Reconciliation Indigenous-Settle Relations
and Earth Teachings. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press, 2018.
Lubertazzi, David. (2012). The Biology and Natural History of Aphaenogaster rudis. Psyche. 2012.
10.1155/2012/752815.
On-line Resources:
“Ant.” Wikipedia. Updated 19 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant.
AntWeb. Version 8.40.2. California Academy of Science, online at https://www.antweb.org. Accessed 27 July 2020.
“Aphaenogaster.” Ant Wiki. Updated 27 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://antwiki.org/wiki/Aphaenogaster#Worker_Morphology.
"Aphaenogaster picea.” Ant Wiki. Updated 24 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://antwiki.org/wiki/Aphaenogaster_picea.
“Eastern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus.” Ontario Nature. Web Accessed 24 Oct 2019.
https://ontarionature.org/programs/citizen-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/eastern-red-backed-salamander/.
“Five Types of Ecological Relationships.” Nguyen, David H. Ph.D. Seattle Pi. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://education.seattlepi.com/five-types-ecological-relationships-4019.html.
“Mesonotum.” Fine Dictionary. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. http://www.finedictionary.com/Mesonotum.html.
“Myrmecochory.” Wikipedia. Updated 13 Feb 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecochory#:~:text=Myrmecochory%20(%2Fm%C9%9C%CB%90rm%C9%AA,plant%20interaction%20with%20worldwide%20distribution.
Asch, Michael, John Borrows, & James Tully. Resurgence and Reconciliation Indigenous-Settle Relations
and Earth Teachings. Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press, 2018.
Lubertazzi, David. (2012). The Biology and Natural History of Aphaenogaster rudis. Psyche. 2012.
10.1155/2012/752815.
On-line Resources:
“Ant.” Wikipedia. Updated 19 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant.
AntWeb. Version 8.40.2. California Academy of Science, online at https://www.antweb.org. Accessed 27 July 2020.
“Aphaenogaster.” Ant Wiki. Updated 27 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://antwiki.org/wiki/Aphaenogaster#Worker_Morphology.
"Aphaenogaster picea.” Ant Wiki. Updated 24 July 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://antwiki.org/wiki/Aphaenogaster_picea.
“Eastern Red-backed Salamander Plethodon cinereus.” Ontario Nature. Web Accessed 24 Oct 2019.
https://ontarionature.org/programs/citizen-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/eastern-red-backed-salamander/.
“Five Types of Ecological Relationships.” Nguyen, David H. Ph.D. Seattle Pi. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://education.seattlepi.com/five-types-ecological-relationships-4019.html.
“Mesonotum.” Fine Dictionary. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. http://www.finedictionary.com/Mesonotum.html.
“Myrmecochory.” Wikipedia. Updated 13 Feb 2020. Web. Accessed 27 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrmecochory#:~:text=Myrmecochory%20(%2Fm%C9%9C%CB%90rm%C9%AA,plant%20interaction%20with%20worldwide%20distribution.
Examining the relationship between forest fragmentation -
resulting in a variety of different kinds of landscape patches - and species survival.
In support of the preservation of mature, intact forests,
by drawing attention to the beauty and intricacies of the minute within the grand,
and the interdependent, reciprocal relationships within these interwoven communities.
resulting in a variety of different kinds of landscape patches - and species survival.
In support of the preservation of mature, intact forests,
by drawing attention to the beauty and intricacies of the minute within the grand,
and the interdependent, reciprocal relationships within these interwoven communities.
Seed Dispersal by Ants A Story of Reciprocity
featuring Plagiomnium ciliare, Aphaenogaster picea & Trillium grandiflorum
“Plagiomnium ciliare
A Study of Saber Tooth Moss”
Class: Musci Subclass: Bryidae Family: Mniaceae Genus: Plagiomnium Growth Form: Acrocarpus Identifying Features This moss, with vegetative stems trailing along the ground and capsule-bearing stems standing upright, intertwines to form loose, dark green tufts 3-6 cm tall. Leaves are 5-8 mm long, shiny green to yellow green, tongue-shaped, with rounded apex. Their midrib extends to a point beyond the leaf tip. Sharp teeth run from tip to base along margins having a faint border. Leaf corners extend down onto the stem, alternating in a growth pattern of two neat rows. Leaves cluster into rosettes only on the tops of upright stems. |
Habitat
This moss species grows in various locations within the forest: on soil, rotting logs, tree bases, rocks in shady swamp areas, and along streams. Growing on soil or rotting logs, you may discover Aphaenogaster picea wandering within.
Ecology
Interestingly, these two species are not not in competition for water. While water is all-important to the moss, this ant species regularly refuses liquids.
This moss species grows in various locations within the forest: on soil, rotting logs, tree bases, rocks in shady swamp areas, and along streams. Growing on soil or rotting logs, you may discover Aphaenogaster picea wandering within.
Ecology
Interestingly, these two species are not not in competition for water. While water is all-important to the moss, this ant species regularly refuses liquids.
When finalized, this study will become one in a series of illustrations & natural history artworks that together tell a story of reciprocity within a healthy forest community. The habitat scene and infographic below will also be included in this series.
“Trillium grandiflorum Seed Dispersal by Aphaenogaster picea Ants”
in Plagiomnium ciliare & Ctenidium molluscum forest floor mosses
During late summer/early autumn, in the ground mosses of mature, intact Beech-Maple forests of ne NA, Aphaenogaster picea worker ants are busy carrying Trillium grandiflorum diaspores back to their nest. When their larvae young feed on the elaiosomes they leave the seeds behind, undamaged. After feeding, the workers discard the seeds by casting them out of the nest or carrying them to underground middens.
Myrmecochory is seed dispersal by ants. Myrmecochorous plants produce diaspores, seeds with elaiosomes or external appendages, also known as “food bodies”, rich in lipids, amino acids and various other nutrients. These food bodies attract ants. Myrmecochory represents a reciprocal or mutually beneficial relationship. While the ant larvae benefit from the rich food produced by the plants, the plants benefit by having their seeds carried farther away than they themselves can drop them, to a microsite that is made rich in nutrients by the ants and provides protection from predators. Here, a new plant colony is born! |
“Aphaenogaster picea A Seed Dispersal Ant”
Piceous, glossy brownish-black in color, with the last four antennal segments (the club) lighter,
along with the gaster tip of worker ants. Their northern NA range is also diagnostic.
along with the gaster tip of worker ants. Their northern NA range is also diagnostic.
This scientific illustration was produced first with a crowquill pen and ink on Strathmore Bristol smooth 400 series paper, then scanned and overlaid with digital watercolour in Photoshop CS6 using a Wacom tablet & stylus. Also in Photoshop, labels and text were added, for the complete infographic presentation below.
This portion of The Forest Project was completed in fulfillment of certificate requirements from
the Scientific Illustration Distance Program. www.gretchenhalpert-distanceprogram.com
the Scientific Illustration Distance Program. www.gretchenhalpert-distanceprogram.com
"... imagine a different relationship, in which people and land
are good medicine for each other."
- from Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
are good medicine for each other."
- from Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Forest Project . . . a work of indefinite boundary
Being the youngest organisms on this life-giving planet, we humans have much to learn from the interactions of all who came before. My intent is to continue gathering lessons of healthy community living and to translate them into visual story form. Through this means I hope to encourage deeper understanding as well as practical action, toward "a different relationship, in which people and land are good medicine for each other."
Author
Natural Science Illustrator.
Commissions welcome!
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