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Black Harvester Ant

The black harvester ant is one of 22 species of harvester ants found in the United States. This ant is common from southern California to western Texas. Harvested seeds are the primary food source of the black harvester ant. These ants will collect a single seed or plant until the supply is exhausted, at which point they will begin harvesting another type of seed. 

The black harvester ant's antennae consist of twelve segments without a club. Under the head is a row of long hairs, known as the psammophore. The thorax and head contain shallow parallel grooves, with a pair of spines located atop the thorax.

Unlike other ant species, black harvester ants do not nest inside other structures. Instead, they seek out areas, which are open and clear of vegetation. They build their mounds and cover them with gravel, charcoal, tiny rocks or fragments of dead vegetation. This debris serves as a solar energy trap, controlling nest temperature. Black harvester ant nests are excavated deep within the ground and may span 30 feet in diameter. Black harvester ants will relocate their nest once or twice each year due to climate changes.

Swarming black harvester ants are common during the summer. Soon after mating with ants from nearby colonies, male ants die and females land in search of new nesting sites. Colonies of black harvester ants are populous, but contain only one queen, who can survive up to 30 years. 

Because they are desert dwellers, black harvester ants do not commonly encounter humans. However, they do sometimes build nests near human dwellings, and black harvester ants sting when disturbed or attacked by predators. 

Western Harvester Ant

Texas Red Harvester Ant

Red Harvester Ant Mating Swarms