Red Harvester AntPogonomyrmex barbatus
Quick facts
- Rarity
- Common
- Active during
- Morning
- Found in
- Dusty Canyons
- Length
- 0.4 in
- Wingspan
- 0.4 in
From the field notes
Diet
These ants collect wild grasses and seeds, carefully husk them with their strong jaws, and store them in deep, dry underground "pantries" to keep the colony fed all year round.
Defense
When their home is threatened, they deliver a painful, venomous sting that keeps predators away. The venom is formulated to deter vertebrates, inducing hours of intense, throbbing pain that ranks high on the pain index.
The Nest
They build massive underground cities and meticulously clear away all the grass and twigs around their front door. This bare "patio" prevents wildfires from reaching the nest and denies ambush predators a place to hide.
The Queen
Every colony starts with a single royal founder. After mating while flying, the queen sheds her wings and digs a fresh burrow to rule over her new kingdom for up to a decade!
Field Marks
These harvesters have "beards" made of stiff hairs. This specialized beard (psammophore) acts like a bulldozer, allowing the ant to easily carry large, heavy loads of sand out of the colony.