Origins and Species Facts:

Pogonomyrmex, commonly known as harvester ants, are native to various regions across North and South America, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments like deserts and grasslands. These ants are renowned for their seed-harvesting behavior, which involves collecting seeds and storing them in underground granaries. This behavior is essential for their survival in harsh environments where food can be scarce.

There are over 60 species within the Pogonomyrmex genus, with varying degrees of aggressiveness and adaptability. One of the most well-known species is Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, the red harvester ant, which is often used in ant farms and educational settings. Harvester ants are known for their potent sting, which they use to defend their colonies from predators. Despite their aggressive reputation, these ants play a crucial role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and aerating the soil.

Founding:

To ensure a successful start for your Pogonomyrmex queen, it is essential to minimize stress during the founding stage. Avoid moving the queen or exposing her to vibrations when possible, as this can disrupt her natural process of establishing a colony. Some Pogonomyrmex species, like P. rugosus, are fully claustral and do not require food during the founding process. Others, such as P. californicus, are semi-claustral and need food while founding. In the wild, these semi-claustral queens forage until their first workers emerge. To support them, provide a small amount of seeds and a few tiny prey insects, like fruit flies. This should be done no more than once a week.

Starter Colony:

Once the first workers have emerged, you can begin feeding the colony inside of the test tube. Pogonomyrmex ants primarily feed on seeds and insect protein (fruit flies, roach nymphs, etc. larger prey items should be cut into smaller pieces). Suitable seed choices include dandelion, Kentucky Blue Grass (ensure they are untreated), chia, and other small seeds. While they are natural harvesters, supplementing their diet with sugar water (a mixture of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water) is beneficial.

It's crucial to maintain a balance in their diet. Seeds provide the primary nutrition, but insect protein is necessary for brood development, and sugar water offers a quick energy source for the workers.

Enclosure:

A "tub and tube" setup is recommended for Pogonomyrmex colonies during their early stages. This setup involves placing the ants' test tube nest inside a larger container (the tub) with a thick fluon barrier applied to the inside to prevent escapes. This allows the ants to forage and explore while keeping them contained.

As the colony grows, the workers will begin foraging for seeds and storing them in the test tube. Ensure that the enclosure provides ample space for this behavior and consider expanding to a larger nest when necessary.

Feeding:

Once the colony has a stable population of workers and is established in the tub and tube setup, regular feeding is essential. Provide a quarter-sized amount of seeds, insect protein, and sugar water inside the enclosure. Adjust the feeding schedule based on the colony's consumption patterns.

To prevent drowning, use a pen or another tool to break the surface tension of sugar water drops, or consider using a byFormica feeder, which is specifically designed to provide a safe and accessible feeding option for ants.

Heating:

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the optimal growth of Pogonomyrmex ants. A Zoomed heating cable is recommended, with a target temperature of around 90°F. Pairing the cable with a thermostat is the best way to ensure proper temperatures. Place the heating cable under the edge of the test tube where the open end is located, allowing the ants to regulate their temperature by moving closer to or further from the heat source.

When using the tub and tube setup, position the heating cable under the tub, towards the open end of the test tube, to create a temperature gradient. This helps the ants find their preferred microenvironment within the enclosure.

Nests for Expansion:

As the colony grows and reaches approximately 30-50 workers, it may be time to move them into a larger nest. When choosing a new nest, ensure that the colony will occupy at least a quarter of the available space, allowing room for further expansion. Too large of an enclosure can cause unnecessary stress to the colony and result in them filling in chambers with trash. Pogonomyrmex ants are known for their seed-harvesting behavior, so a nest with areas for seed storage and brood development is ideal.

Quality nests designed specifically for ant colonies are available from suppliers like Tarheel Ants. These nests offer features such as moisture control and chambers that simulate the ants' natural underground environment.

---

For additional support or questions, feel free to reach out on Instagram @eukarya.world, by email at ryan@eukarya.world, or join the Ants & Ant Keeping Discord community.