Messor

Cratomyrmex Emery, 1892 Lobognathus Enzmann, J., 1947 Messor is a genus of myrmicine ants with more than 100 species, all of which are harvester ants; the generic name comes from the Roman god of crops and harvest, Messor.

Colonies can achieve huge sizes and are notable for their intricately designed granaries in which seeds are stored in dry conditions, preventing germination.

are polymorphic and have a distinct caste of macrocephalic dinoergates whose role is carrying and cutting the large seeds which comprise much of the colonies' subsistence.

[citation needed] Some snail shells possibly are taken into the nest because of their grain-like shape.

[citation needed] Looking specifically at the M. arenarius species for example, like some other types of harvester ants, they emit trail pheromones as well as operating on an individual level when looking for food sources.

Messor sp. worker
M. angularis antweb.org specimen