Description
P. bicolor is a beautiful and rarely offered harvester ant species found only in Arizona and northern Mexico. It features a bold two-tone appearance—typically with a rich reddish head and a darker gaster—that sets it apart from more common harvester ant species. This desert-adapted species thrives in dry, warm environments and makes an excellent option for Arizona-based hobbyists looking for something regionally unique.
Every colony comes with a Queen, brood, and biological workers.
States Available for Shipping:
AZ (Native only to Arizona and parts of northern Mexico. We do not ship this species outside of Arizona at this time.)
Difficulty Level
Beginner to intermediate. Tolerant of warm, dry conditions but slightly more humidity-sensitive than P. occidentalis.
Temperament
Moderately defensive. While they are not hyper-aggressive, they will sting if disturbed. Escapes are uncommon due to their poor climbing ability, but barrier protection is still recommended.
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. These ants 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
- Native to only Arizona – shipping is limited
-
Sensitive to excess humidity; moldy seeds can become a problem
- Moderate sting risk—gloves recommended
-
Less commonly available, so colonies may sell out quickly
Live Arrival Guaranteed
Please see our Live Arrival Policy for requirements in order to be eligible for a replacement or refund.