Pogonomyrmex badius

Description

Species description of Pogonomyrmex badius

Pogonomyrmex badius  is one of the most interesting species of harvester ants native to North America. In the wild, it is found mainly in the warm, sandy areas of the south-eastern United States, particularly in Florida. It prefers dry, sunny locations where it can build deep nests and store seeds.

This is a species that is very interesting to observe. The workers are active, eagerly explore the arena, collect small seeds and are able to react quickly to a new food source. Colonies  Pogonomyrmex badius are also characterised by distinct polymorphism, i.e. the presence of workers of varying sizes. Larger individuals have more robust heads and assist in breaking down food and defending the colony.

Appearance of Pogonomyrmex badius

Pogonomyrmex badius ants have beautiful, warm colouring in shades of russet, red and brown. They are larger than many popular starter species, making them well suited to observation even without a magnifying glass.

The queen is usually around 10–12 mm long, whilst the workers are around 6–10 mm. In a mature colony, you can see differences between the smaller workers and the larger majors, which makes observing the division of labour within the nest truly fascinating.

The difficulty of keeping Pogonomyrmex badius

Keeping Pogonomyrmex badius is not particularly complicated, but it does require common sense and caution. These are harvester ants, so their diet consists mainly of small seeds, but unlike the typical Messor barbarus, it is also worth feeding them live insects on a regular basis.

The most important thing when keeping them is to provide them with warmth, access to water and a dry enclosure. The nest should have a slightly damp area, but it must not be constantly wet. As this species originates from sandy habitats, excessive humidity and poor ventilation can have an adverse effect on it.

It is also worth bearing in mind that Pogonomyrmex badius has a stinger. These are not ants that should be touched or removed from the formicarium. Provided the colony is handled normally and calmly, there should be no problems, but this species requires greater care than the typical ants recommended for children.

The diet of Pogonomyrmex badius

Pogonomyrmex badius are harvester ants, so when keeping them, you should ensure they have constant access to small seeds. Small seeds such as grass seeds, chia seeds, poppy seeds, millet or other fine mixes designed for harvester ants are ideal.

As well as seeds, it is a good idea to provide them with protein in the form of feed insects. These could include mealworms, crickets, cockroaches, fruit flies or other insects suitable for the size of the colony. For small colonies, it is best to provide small, easy-to-handle portions.

• small seeds as the basis of the diet
• feed insects as a source of protein
• constant access to water
• occasionally, nectar or water with honey

Keeping Pogonomyrmex badius

It is best to keep Pogonomyrmex badius at a temperature of around 24–28°C. Brief drops in temperature should not harm the colony, but a stable, warm environment promotes activity and the development of the offspring.

The enclosure should be fairly dry, well-ventilated and designed to prevent the ants from escaping. Sand, gravel or dry substrate can be used for the substrate. It is a good idea to provide a slightly damp area within the nest, which the ants can use when rearing their larvae.

This species does not require traditional overwintering. However, a slight seasonal drop in temperature can be provided if the colony shows a marked reduction in activity.

The first few days after buying a Pogonomyrmex badius

Once you have received your colony of Pogonomyrmex badius, it is best to keep it undisturbed. Place the test tube or small nest in a location free from vibrations and direct sunlight. The ants should have access to water and a small amount of fine seeds.

It is not worth moving a small colony straight into a large formicarium. To begin with, a test tube with a small arena or a small nest, where the ants will feel safe, will work better. Only once the number of workers has increased significantly should you consider moving them to a larger formicarium.

Why choose Pogonomyrmex badius?

Pogonomyrmex badius is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to observe harvester ants other than the classic Messor barbarus. They are active, beautifully coloured, collect seeds and form very interesting colonies with distinct differences between the workers.

This is a species for keepers who enjoy observing natural behaviours: seed transport, larval feeding, behaviour in the enclosure and the division of labour within the colony. Provided basic precautions are taken, Pogonomyrmex badius can provide a great deal of satisfaction as a kept ant species.