Page 28 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Red Harvester Ant mRoevdinHgarsvoeisl tferormAnetnqtruaenecne

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Red Harvester Ant swarmers Red Harvester Ant Worker
exiting from nest entrance

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- segmented 6.Thorax- one pair of spines Harvester Ant
2.Eyes- 2 compound 7.Petiole- two nodes
3.Head- long hairs under chin 8.Abdomen- fairly small 67
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- red, brown, black
5.Wings- reproductives have wings 10.Other 1 8

Life Cycle 3
Swarming occurs several times each year, starting in June and July but most
prominently during August and September. The winged ants emerge in large numbers, 4
but most will not survive. The male dies right after mating, and the female starts a new
underground colony. Colonies may last for quite a number of years, and can contain Drawing by Andrew Schaible
thousands of ants. The colony becomes less active in temperatures over 120 degrees
and during the rainy season.

Actual size 1/4”

The California variety of the Harvester Ant is quite large (1/4th inch) and red colored. It is also
known for its ability to sting. Nests are found underground with a small mound at the opening,
which is littered with leftover food debris. No live vegetation is found anywhere around the
opening of the nest. They generally seek seeds as a main source of food. During the winter,
the nest is sealed off and no activity is seen.

These ants have actually been able to kill small pigs by their sudden and vicious attacks.
Harvester Ants will go after people and just about any small animal that gets too close to their
nest.

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