Myrmicinae
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Pogonomyrmex barbatus
Red harvester ant (American)
A desert-adapted harvester ant capable of a serious, medically-notable sting. Long-lived queens and slow, steady colony growth make it a patient keeper's project.
Origin
Southwestern United States
Worker size
6–8 mm
Optimal temp
27–32°C
Humidity
30%
Care notes
One of the most painful stings of any North American ant — handle only with tools, never bare hands. Requires a very dry, sandy substrate.
Diet
Granivorous — a wide variety of dry seeds form the bulk of the diet.