Pogonomyrmex rugosus – Desert Harvester Ant
 
Pogonomyrmex rugosus is a large harvester ant native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Workers are dark brown to almost black, giving larger colonies a really striking appearance.
 
As their name suggests, these ants are keen seed collectors, with workers actively foraging and storing seeds within the nest. They’ll also readily take insects for additional protein, particularly when raising brood.
 
Being a desert species, P. rugosus likes things warm and relatively dry. We recommend keeping them around 24-29°C, while still providing access to a small area of moisture and a constant source of drinking water.
 
Colonies can grow into the thousands and become extremely active, making them a brilliant species to watch once established. They do, however, possess a fairly potent sting, so we recommend them for keepers with some previous experience.
 
Difficulty: Intermediate
Queen: 13-14mm
Workers: 7-12mm
Colony size: 1,000s
Temperature: 24-30°C
Humidity: 40-65%
Diet: Seeds, insects & sugars
Sting: Yes

It is illegal and strictly frowned upon to release any non-native ants into the wild.