{"product_id":"pogonomyrmex-rugosus","title":"Desert Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex rugosus)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"MW5IWV\" data-motion-part=\"BG_LAYER\" data-hook=\"bgLayers\" id=\"bgLayers_comp-kxrxckz91\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"6048\" data-end=\"6100\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6051\" data-end=\"6098\"\u003ePogonomyrmex rugosus (Desert Harvester Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6102\" data-end=\"6428\"\u003eThe Desert Harvester Ant (\u003cem data-start=\"6128\" data-end=\"6150\"\u003ePogonomyrmex rugosus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a robust and highly active species known for its strength, teamwork, and precision seed harvesting. Native to the hot deserts of the American Southwest, these ants are masters of foraging and organization, building extensive underground granaries to store seeds and food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6430\" data-end=\"6729\"\u003eIn captivity, \u003cem data-start=\"6444\" data-end=\"6456\"\u003eP. rugosus\u003c\/em\u003e makes a fascinating desert display species. Colonies are lively and well-coordinated, showing clear communication during foraging and nest construction. They are heat-tolerant, easy to feed, and capable of forming long-lived, stable colonies that reward consistent care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6731\" data-end=\"6977\"\u003eThis species is an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a classic harvester ant that thrives in arid formicarium setups. Their bold red coloration and intelligent behavior make them an engaging and educational species to observe year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"6979\" data-end=\"6982\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6984\" data-end=\"7006\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6988\" data-end=\"7004\"\u003eSpecies Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7008\" data-end=\"7128\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7008\" data-end=\"7020\"\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7020\" data-end=\"7023\"\u003eLarge, hardy desert harvester ant with strong foraging instincts and impressive nest-building behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7130\" data-end=\"7270\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7130\" data-end=\"7139\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7139\" data-end=\"7142\"\u003eFeed a variety of small seeds (millet, chia, and grass seeds), insects, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"7218\" data-end=\"7242\"\u003ebyFormica Ant Nectar\u003c\/strong\u003e for sugars and hydration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7272\" data-end=\"7373\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7272\" data-end=\"7288\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7288\" data-end=\"7291\"\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong data-start=\"7300\" data-end=\"7311\"\u003e78–85°F\u003c\/strong\u003e with dry nesting conditions and slight moisture near brood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7375\" data-end=\"7453\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7375\" data-end=\"7384\"\u003eNest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7384\" data-end=\"7387\"\u003eSandy substrate nests with broad outworlds for natural foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7455\" data-end=\"7506\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7455\" data-end=\"7468\"\u003eDiapause:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7468\" data-end=\"7471\"\u003eOptional mild winter rest period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7508\" data-end=\"7572\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7508\" data-end=\"7519\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7519\" data-end=\"7522\"\u003eModerate to rapid with regular feeding and heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7574\" data-end=\"7624\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7574\" data-end=\"7589\"\u003eQueen size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9–11 mm  \u003cstrong data-start=\"7599\" data-end=\"7615\"\u003eWorker size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–7 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"7626\" data-end=\"7629\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7631\" data-end=\"7861\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7631\" data-end=\"7640\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e All ants for sale have a range where the species is native. Always check your local regulations before purchasing live ants.\u003cbr data-start=\"7765\" data-end=\"7768\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7768\" data-end=\"7786\"\u003eStates Native:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eArizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/pogonomyrmex-harvester-ant-care-guide\"\u003eHarvester Ant Care Guide\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/ant-feeding-guide\"\u003eAnt Feeding Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American Ant Store","offers":[{"title":"1 queen","offer_id":46878383636738,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen 1-5 workers","offer_id":46878383669506,"sku":null,"price":45.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/PogonomyrmexRugosusQueen.jpg?v=1764619282","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/pogonomyrmex-rugosus","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}