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Texas Red Harvester Ant

In the United States alone, there are 22 species of harvester ants. Ten of these harvester ant species are found in Texas, and seven species are seen around the far western areas of Texas. Of all the harvester ant species in Texas, the Texas red harvester ant is the most noticeable: these large ants are typically seen in open areas. Texas red harvester ants are the most common ants sold to hobbyists who maintain ant farms.

Workers of the red harvester ant colonies have long bodies and range in color from red to dark brown. They have square heads and no spines on their bodies. Winged males and female swarmers are larger than worker ants. 

Texas red harvester ants feed primarily on seeds, including wild sunflowers, Johnson grass, burr clovers, alfalfa seeds and other small beans. They also consume insects.

Red harvester ants mate after rainy days. Males die soon after mating, while females shed their wings and begin new colonies by digging a burrow and laying eggs within it. These eggs eventually become worker ants, which care for other developing ants, build the nest and forage for food.

The sting of the Texas red harvester ant is painful and can cause severe allergic reactions. Colonies of the Texas red harvester ant are also widely separated and can infest rangelands and pastures heavily, resulting in a decreased yield. 

The Texas red harvester ant is the primary source of food of the Texas horned lizard. This lizard is a protected species. The spread of Red Imported Fire ants has resulted in a decrease in the number of harvester ant colonies. Although harvester ants can be controlled using pesticides, it is best to refrain from using chemical products, as these would also harm the Texas horned lizard population.

Western Harvester Ant

Black Harvester Ant

Red Harvester Ant Mating Swarms