Red Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex barbatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Formicoidea
- Family: Formicidae
- Subfamily: Myrmicinae
- Tribe: Pogonomyrmecini
- Genus: Pogonomyrmex
- Species: barbatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pogonomyrmex barbatus: //ˌpoʊɡoʊnoʊˈmɜːrmɛks ˈbɑːrbətəs//
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Summary
Pogonomyrmex barbatus, known as the Red Harvester Ant, is a species native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These ants are notable for their seed-hoarding behavior and play an essential role in their ecosystem by participating in seed dispersal. They are eusocial insects with a caste system and demonstrate complex foraging behavior regulated through chemical communication.
Physical Characteristics
Workers are 1/4 to 1/2 inch (5 to 12 mm) long. Queens are at the largest end of that range. They possess long propodeal spines, a broad square head, and fine, fingerprint-like cephalic rugosity.
Identification Tips
Often mistaken for fire ants, but are not closely related.
Habitat
Mesic habitats with significant clay in the soil, usually open grassy areas in sun or shade.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (California, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado) and Mexico.
Diet
Primarily seeds; will also raid bird feeders and scavenge dead insects.
Life Cycle
Eggs mature into worker ants within 6 to 8 weeks after the queen establishes the colony.
Reproduction
Monogynous colonies with a single queen; mating flights triggered by summer rains; mated females disperse to found new colonies.
Predators
Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is a primary predator.
Ecosystem Role
Significant player in seed dispersal through myrmecochory; provide a food source for predators such as lizards.
Economic Impact
Can make serious inroads into available grazing for livestock due to their nesting habits.
Health Concerns
The sting is painful, but rarely used; some individuals may have allergic reactions.
Collecting Methods
- Pitfall traps
- Hand collection during foraging activities
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Pinned specimens
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with fire ants due to similarities in appearance but with different behaviors and ecological roles.
Tags
- Ants
- Harvester Ant
- Pogonomyrmex
- Red Ant
- Seed Dispersal