Red Harvester Ant

Key Biology

• Two nodes
• Workers medium to large in size
• 1/5 to 3/8 inch long
• Uneven thorax
• 12 segments of antenna
• Hairs under chin
• Reddish brown in color

Distribution

• Prefer small seeds, alfalfa, burr clover, Johnson grass, oats, wheat, Bermuda grass, wild sunflowers, and mesquite beans have been found in chambers
• Nests in soil, more common in cultivated land due to availability of food
• Nest is a barren circular area of varying size
• There is one or more pathways leading to surrounding vegetation, becoming less distinct farther away from the nest
• They are a nuisance in lawns and around swellings and corrals-- invariably the ants get on people and animals and inflict painful sting
• Distributed in lower altitudes of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California