Ant colony worker carrying a larva, close-up macro shot of ant pest.
Red Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) - Image 2
Red Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) - Image 3

Red Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus)

(4 customer reviews)

Price range: $54.99 through $59.99

The Red Harvester Ant is an aggressive and very beautiful species.  STATES AVAILABLE FOR SHIPPING: AZ, AR, CO, KS, LA, NM, OK, TX, UT

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Product Description

P. barbatus is a large, striking red harvester ant native to the Southwest. This is one of the most iconic harvester ants in North America, known for its impressive seed storage and vegetation-clearing behavior. A great display species with strong foraging activity and a long colony lifespan.

Every colony comes with a Queen, brood, and biological workers.

States Available for Shipping:

AZ, AR, CO, KS, LA, NM, OK, TX, UT

Difficulty Level

Beginner to intermediate. Slightly more sensitive to care fluctuations than P. occidentalis.

Temperament

Bold and defensive. While not overly aggressive, they will sting if disturbed. Under normal conditions, they remain focused on foraging rather than escaping.

Feeding

Primarily seed-based diet (bluegrass, dandelion, chia). Offer fruit (apple slices) and a protein source (crickets, mealworms, or fruit flies) once per week for balanced nutrition and brood development.

Ant Farm (Habitat)

Start with a test tube or bamboo tube. Once the colony reaches 10–15 workers, you can move them into a small formicarium. Choose a low humidity setup with a visible outworld for easy seed cleanup.

Temperature

These ants require heat to grow. Maintain a nest temperature between 85–92°F using a heating cable to create a gentle gradient. The ants will place their brood in the warmest area, so be sure the setup offers some temperature variation.

Humidity

Keep humidity on the lower side. P. barbatus often brings seeds into their nest chambers—if the humidity is too high, this can lead to mold. Avoid overwatering. Follow your ant farm’s watering instructions and maintain a regular schedule to prevent dry-outs or flooding.

Preventing Escapes

These ants can climb glass and plastic, and they do sting. We strongly recommend applying a single layer of fluon around the outworld rim when preparing the habitat. One application typically lasts for the life of the colony and does not need to be reapplied.

Common Challenges

  • Requires consistent heat for colony growth

  • Will hoard seeds—excess storage can attract mold if humidity is too high

  • Strong and determined—ensure lids are snug and barriers are in place to prevent escapes

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