Harvester Ants
Pogonomyrmex spp.
Harvester ant (Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)
Harvester ant nest entrance (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Harvester ant nest (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Identification
- red to brown to black
- larger ants; 1/5 – 1/2 inch long
- two nodes (bumps between middle and rear body sections)
- workers of different sizes
- row of hairs on the underside of the head
- spines on back sometimes present
Nesting Habits
- nests appear as flat, bare circular patches of soil averaging 12 feet in diameter
- nests may be several feet deep
Diet
- seeds and insects
Significance
- inflict painful stings when disturbed; some species leave stingers in the wound
- do not invade homes but are occasional pests of lawns and playgrounds
- swarm from June – October
- strip large areas of grass in turf areas
IPM Recommendations
- Use granular ant baits labeled for lawn use around the nest opening.