Pogonomyrmex occidentalisSpecies Introduction

Prolific seed harvester and impressive nest-builder Species Introduction Varies from semi-claustral to claustral across populations: a single, newly-mated queen seals herself in a chamber and rears the first workers off stored nutrients and metabolized wing muscles, though she may forage to find supplementary resources. Native range extends from North Dakota to Texas and across all western U.S. states. Inhabits a variety of habitats, including desert, scrubland, and grasslands. Strictly diurnal and will seal up the nest at night. Mature colonies are large, dominant, and impressive. Can defend their colony when provoked using a powerful sting. Some of the most reliable harvester ants, P. occidentalis are great for beginners. Provide them with a very warm section of their nest, ensure water access, and replenish seeds frequently. These ants are the first to have been deregulated for interstate transport in the contiguous United States (except Florida). Formicarium Substratum nest highly recommended, originally created as a nest for harvester ants. Alternative formicaria can struggle to maintain humidity at the high temperatures these ants require. Very warm. Ideally the nest will have a gradient of 75–95°F. A heated foraging area will cause the ants to be more active (they're strictly diurnal in the wild) but that's not strictly required for them. 3/8" or 1/2" Red plate cover for nest. Foraging area can be brightly lit and warm — encourages activity. Water & Humidity Harvester ants require humid sections of the nest for their sensitive brood stages and to soften their seeds for processing. A moisture gradient is recommended. They will store seeds in warm, dry chambers called granaries. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges for founding due to improved humidity. Water-only liquid feeder in outworld useful. Carbohydrates P. occidentalis will benefit from sliced, organic fruits with sugar, but they primarily consume insect protein and seeds. You are welcome to supplement the rest of their diet with honey or sugar water, but it's not necessary. Optional — they won't use it heavily. Protein P. occidentalis benefit from insect protein. We suggest supplying pre-killed feeder insects 2–3 times a week. TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. occidentalis colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, cockroach nymphs, and sliced mealworms. They will also accept sliced crickets. Two to three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Seeds P. occidentalis occasionally store collected seeds in humid areas, which can lead to germinating in the nest. If this is something you want to avoid, use the TJL Premium Seed Mix. This species prefers a wide variety of native grass seeds. The TJL Seed Mix is a good place to start if unsure of what kind to offer. Seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place or in a freezer. Once per week Maintenance Weeks 1-3: Very humid, warm, dark, undisturbed. Provide a small scoop of seeds in the founding tube or formicarium. Weeks 4–6: First workers appear. Provide insect protein and first seeds. Months 2+: Colony is beginning to grow. Maintain humidity and heat constantly, their growth pattern does not tolerate fluctuating conditions. Diapause may be required for this species. Care Summary High humidity gradient + very high heat — Substratum nest strongly recommended Protein 2–3x/week Variety of seeds (use TrapJaw seed mix to avoid germination) Hot gradient: 75–95°F across the setup Three times a week: Pre-killed protein, clear leftovers in 24h Once per week: Add varied seed mix Once per week: Top up nest water reservoir