Pogonomyrmex rugosus

Description

Description of the species Pogonomyrmex rugosus

Pogonomyrmex rugosus is a North American harvester ant found primarily in the arid regions of the southern and western United States and Mexico. In the wild, it is found in desert, semi-desert and dry grassland areas, amongst others.

This is a large and highly distinctive species. Worker ants reach over 8 mm in length, have a robust build and are dark brown, often almost black in colour. Up close, the strongly sculpted surface of the head and thorax is particularly evident; indeed, this is the origin of the species name rugosus.

In the wild, colonies build extensive underground nests, and a distinctive mound may form around their entrances. A mature colony can number several thousand workers.

The biggest attraction in keeping them, however, is their behaviour. Pogonomyrmex rugosus are active foragers that scour the enclosure, transport seeds back to the nest and build their own food stores. With a larger colony, there really is plenty to see.

The challenges of rearing Pogonomyrmex rugosus

In terms of its requirements, Pogonomyrmex rugosus is not a difficult species to keep. These ants thrive in captivity, their diet is simple, and a properly heated colony can flourish very effectively.

The most important thing is temperature. These ants come from hot regions, and it is definitely worth providing heating for part of the nest. We do not heat the entire formicarium evenly – it is much better to create a temperature gradient so that the ants themselves can choose a suitable spot for the queen, larvae and pupae.

The second important factor is humidity. Pogonomyrmex rugosus does not need a damp nest. On the contrary, the section used for storing seeds should remain dry. At the same time, the colony must have constant access to water and a slightly more humid part of the nest for the developing offspring.

And one more important thing: these ants can sting. This isn’t a reason to be afraid of them, but when handling a colony, you should use common sense and ensure there is a good escape barrier in place. Particularly with larger colonies, we do not recommend carrying out work in the arena with your bare hands.

Feeding Pogonomyrmex rugosus

The diet of Pogonomyrmex rugosus consists mainly of seeds. In the wild, gathering these seeds accounts for a significant proportion of the workers’ activities.

In the breeding programme, we can provide, amongst other things:

• tiny grass seeds,
• dandelion,
• chia,
• small seeds intended for birds,
• other dry, unsalted and unprocessed seeds.

The colony will store its food supplies inside the nest, so there is no need to keep adding huge amounts of food. Keep an eye on the food stores – if the seeds are running low, simply top them up.

It is a good idea to supplement their diet with feed insects, particularly during periods of intensive larval growth. Pieces of cockroaches, crickets or mealworms, amongst others, are suitable.

The colony should also have constant access to clean water.

What sort of formicarium is suitable for Pogonomyrmex rugosus?

A young colony should not be moved to a large nest too soon. As with most ants, we start with a small space and increase it as the colony grows.

The formicarium should allow for the creation of a gradient of humidity and temperature. Part of the nest may be slightly damp and intended mainly for the young, whilst other chambers should remain dry. The ants will be very keen to use these as seed stores.

It is also worth providing them with a relatively large enclosure. As the colony of Pogonomyrmex rugosus grows, the ants become very active, and watching the workers forage for and transport food is one of the greatest attractions of keeping this species.

The first few days after buying Pogonomyrmex rugosus

Once you’ve received the colony, first and foremost, leave it alone. Pogonomyrmex rugosus can react very violently to vibrations and frequent peeking into the nest.

Provide the ants with access to water, seeds and a suitable temperature, and then allow them to settle in.

If you end up with just the queen, don’t panic – Pogonomyrmex rugosus, unlike many other species in this genus, establishes a colony in a fully claustral manner. This means that the queen is able to raise the first generation of workers using her own energy reserves.

There is therefore no need to keep opening the test tube and feeding the queen. Peace and quiet are far more important at this stage.

Why is it worth keeping Pogonomyrmex rugosus?

If you like the way harvester ants live, but are looking for something different from the popular Messor, Pogonomyrmex rugosus is a really interesting choice.

This is a species:

• large and clearly visible when observed,
• very active,
• collecting and storing seeds,
• forming numerous colonies,
• which responds well to heating,
• with relatively simple dietary requirements.

Just bear in mind that this is not a black Messor barbarus. Pogonomyrmex rugosus is more spirited, comes from a much warmer climate and has a functional stinger. However, if you provide it with the right conditions, you’ll end up with a very active and spectacular colony, whose behaviour you can watch for hours on end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pogonomyrmex rugosus suitable for beginners?

Yes, in terms of diet and basic care requirements, this is a relatively straightforward species. However, it is important to bear in mind its preference for high temperatures and the fact that the workers have stingers. For this reason, it requires a little more care than, for example, Messor barbarus.

What should you feed Pogonomyrmex rugosus?

The diet consists mainly of various types of small seeds. It is advisable to supplement the diet with feed insects, particularly when there are a lot of developing larvae in the colony. The ants should also have constant access to water.

Does Pogonomyrmex rugosus need heating?

They are definitely worth using. This species originates from very hot and dry regions. It is best to heat only part of the nest, allowing the ants to choose between a warmer and a cooler spot.

Does Pogonomyrmex rugosus sting?

Yes. Pogonomyrmex rugosus has a functional stinger and may use it if threatened. When handling the colony, an effective escape barrier should be used and care should be taken.

Does Pogonomyrmex rugosus need to overwinter?

In the wild, colony activity varies seasonally and may decline significantly during the colder months. In captivity, however, this species should not be treated in the same way as European ants, which require traditional overwintering in a fridge. In winter, you can allow the colony to slow down by lowering the temperature, whilst ensuring it has access to water and food at all times.

Does a solitary queen of Pogonomyrmex rugosus need to be fed?

No. Pogonomyrmex rugosus is a fully claustral species. A healthy, fertilised queen can rear her first workers using the reserves stored within her own body. During this period, the most important factors are the right temperature, access to water and, above all, peace and quiet.

How large can a Pogonomyrmex rugosus colony grow?

Mature colonies are large and can number several thousand workers. It is worth bearing this in mind right from the start of your ant-rearing project – a small colony does not need a large formicarium, but over time it will require considerably more space.