Harvester Ants

Habits 

Harvester ant mounds are moderate to large in size depending on the species. Typically, large areas surrounding the mound are stripped of vegetation to prevent shading, as harvester ants usually remain within the nest during the hottest part of the day. Harvester ants exhibit two foraging patterns. The first is where the ants leave the nest individually and disperse in all directions using visual cues, and the second is where the ants leave the nest and forage along scent trails to find resources. Although they prefer seeds, harvester ants will also feed on insects.

Some harvester ants may occasionally move their nest in response to changes in climate. Nests can be up to 3 feet deep, ranging from one to multiple entrances. Mound surfaces are sometimes covered with small pebbles, charcoal, or fragments of dead vegetation.

There is a single queen in each colony that is relatively long-lived. For example, Florida harvester ant queens have been recorded to live 17 years and queens of the Idaho harvester ant average 17 years but have lived for up to 30.

Swarming typically takes place during the summer, especially in the afternoon after a rain event. In regard to the Florida harvester ant, the female swarmers gather on the surface of their nest, where they mate with males that fly in from surrounding nests. Once mated, they fly off to start a new colony. 

Threats 

In addition to affecting lawns, harvester ants are also known to sting when their nest is disturbed. Harvester ants have painful stings when irritated, and people who have allergic reactions to insect stings should be particularly careful of harvester ants.