Description

This is a claustral, polygynous (multiple-queen) ant species, though it can successfully establish a colony with just one queen. In its natural habitat, it digs their nests in the ground, prefer warm, sunny, open environments. The queen has a yellow-reddish coloration, while the workers have reddish heads and thoraxes, and black abdomens.

Like the American Pogonomyrmex species, this species is also a seed harvester. They store various seeds in their tunnels, and feed on them later. They tolerate dryness 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 preventing the mold and mites from appearing. They typically collect waste in the warmest and driest corner of the enclosure, that makes it easy to remove. They neutralize their prey with their strong mandibles. They are not particularly aggressive but highly territorial, and mature colonies quickly neutralize any insect that enters their territory. Keep them in stable lighting conditions and protect them from vibrations, because they are sensitive to them. This is an active species, always busy in the formicarium, making them exciting to observe. Workers mainly forage at ground level. The queen expected lifespan can reach up to 15-20 years. They establish large colonies with several thousand workers.

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

Reproduction: They reproduce quickly in warmer conditions. In the first year, they raise 40-70 workers, and by the second year, the colony may reach a few hundred workers. A mature colonies, consists of several thousand workers. The brood develops without cocoons, so the pupae are white and ant-shaped.

Hibernation: Requires hibernation from December to February at 15-18°C.
For more information about hibernation check out this video.