This is a polygynous (multiple queen) ant species, but it can also successfully establish a colony with just one queen. In their natural habitat, they dig  nests in the soil, preferring warm, sunny, and open environments. Both the queen and workers are bright copper-brown in color.

Like other American Pogonomyrmex species, this species is a seed harvester also. They collect and store various seeds in their tunnels and feed on them later. They tolerate dry conditions well and keep their environment clean, that makes them an ideal species for ant farms. They can be kept in a relatively dry environment with a few watering spots, which helps prevent mold and mites. They collect waste in the warmest and driest corner of the the enclosure, that makes it easy to remove. This polymorphic species has three different worker castes (minor, media, major). The major workers are strong and resilient. They usually break hard seeds, hunt, guard the nest’s entrances, and chew through the hard exoskeletons of prey insects. Minor workers are smaller and assist with brood care and nest maintenance. They typically neutralize their prey with their powerful mandibles. They are not aggressive, but are highly territorial, and mature colonies can neutralize quickly any insect that enters their territory. The colony should be kept in stable lighting conditions and protected them from vibrations, because they are sensitive to them. This active species is always busy with something in the formicarium, that makes them very exciting to observe. Workers mainly forage at ground level. The queen’s  expected lifespan can reach up to 15-20 years. They establish populous colonies with several thousand workers.

Feeding: Seeds (seed mix + oily seeds like walnuts or peanuts) and insects.

Reproduction: They reproduce quickly in warm conditions. In the first year, they raise 40-70 workers, and by the second year, the colony can reach several hundred workers. Mature colonies consists of several thousand workers. Like other Pogonomyrmex species, their brood develops without cocoons, so the pupae are white and ant-shaped.

Hibernating: As a tropical species, it does not require hibernating.