Western Harvester Ant with Workers

Product Description

The Western Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis) is a medium-sized ant that is a great beginner species. Feeding is easy because they eat mostly seeds. They do sting but escapes are unlikely due to their lack of climbing abilities.

What’s in the Box

A Pogonomyrmex occidentalis colony in a test tube. The colony includes a queen, 6+ workers, eggs, larvae and pupae.

Growth

Maintaining a suitable temperature is crucial for development. Ideally, their nest should be kept between 85-92 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heating gradient if possible. Heating gradients can be obtained with a heating cable.

Diet

Their diet consists of small seeds (bluegrass or dandelion are preferred), and an optional weekly protein source like crickets, fruit flies, and mealworms. Sweets are optional but they do love fruit and apple pieces.

Housing

We generally sell our ants in test tubes. If local pickup is an option for you and the colony is large enough to move into a formicarium, we may be able to move the colony for you provided that you buy the setup from our store.

Upkeep

Since their diet consists mostly of seeds, a pile of seed husks will develop quickly. We highly recommend buying The Ant Vacuum from our store to aid in cleaning up the husks from the outworld. If the ants accidently get sucked into the vial, you can remove with your fingers provided that you are wearing surgical gloves.

Live Arrival Guarantee

See our policy here.

Shipping or Local Pickup

As this is not a federally regulated species, we are able to ship to every continental state except for CA or FL, which have state permit requirements. Your order will not get processed if your shipping address is in CA or FL. If you are in CA or FL and have a proper state permit, fill out our Contact Form and we will handle your case separately. Local pickup is available in Ahwatukee which is within the Phoenix Metro area.