Pogonomyrmex californicus bicolor (Californian Harvester Ant)

Pogonomyrmex californicus bicolor (Californian Harvester Ant)
 
One of the most popular harvester ant species, the American, Orange Harvester ant. This species is commonly found throughout the Southwestern states of the US . This species has a predominantly orangeish/red body (gaster and thorax) and a bulky head. This is especially true in the queens and large major workers of this species. 
 
Harvester ants did you say? Like many species belonging to the Pogonomyrmex genus, they actually do just that! These little critters will form several metre non-stop lines of workers carrying plant seeds and husks from A (source of seeds) to B (back to nest). Usually from dawn till dusk! It gets even more interesting! 
 
Harvested seeds aren't actually just collected and stored. In order to become useful to the colony, the workers will deshell the pulp from the husk and chew this and combining it with their own saliva and enzymes to create a type of 'ant bread'. This is then fed to their youngsters, the larvae!
 
In the wild, nests are often found amongst low lying shrubs and ground dwelling plants typically associated with undisturbed land in arid enviornments. I.e. 'Chaparrales'. Colonies are often chracterised by their large nest entrances in the wild. 
 
They are an active and aggresive species of ant that can sting if provoked.  They are a relatively slow growing species. However, with the right temperature and protein levels, colonies can quickly develop and gain momentum after reaching 30-40 workers.
 
During the founding stage queens should be kept at 26-27C with a humidity level of 60%, once workers eclose and a foraging area is provided, distinct temperature gradients should be achieved with the nesting area remaining between 24-26C and the outworld at 26-30C. 
 
Queens are considered semi-claustral and should be fed on a weekly basis with sugars and proteins (especialyl when larvae appear). 
 
Due to the climate of their natural environment, these ants are mainly active throughout the year but would benefit from a short period of rest during the cooler months of November - January.  
 
It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.