{"product_id":"western-harvester-ant-pogonomyrmex-occidentalis","title":"Western Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePogonomyrmex occidentalis\u003c\/em\u003e, the Western Harvester Ant, is one of the most widespread and recognizable harvester ants in the western United States. Known for building large gravel-covered mound nests and clearing wide bare patches around them, this red desert and grassland species is a classic seed harvester and a rewarding colony to keep. It ranks among the most popular harvester ants for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkers forage in long columns, collecting seeds that are stored in underground granaries to feed the colony year-round. The founding queen is semi-claustral and needs a few seeds and insect protein while she raises her first workers. Established colonies are highly active and build impressive mounds that showcase natural harvester behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a hardy, beginner-friendly species that tolerates a wide range of conditions across its large native range. It thrives with warm temperatures, dry nesting areas, a seed mix, and occasional insects. As with all harvester ants, they can sting, so handle with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach order is a healthy queen or founding colony, packed with care and shipped with our Live Arrival Guarantee. Native range: across much of the western United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"American Ant Store","offers":[{"title":"1 queen, 2-5 workers","offer_id":48530317017346,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/A48E92F9-AB0D-46D8-848A-3B485C8B7B27.jpg?v=1789926325","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/western-harvester-ant-pogonomyrmex-occidentalis","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}