Californian Harvester Ant - Pogonomyrmex californicus (Polygynous Colonies Available!)
Note: Ants are only available for purchase in their native states. Check the map and product description for verification.
Pogonomyrmex californicus brings bold red colors, rapid growth, and the rare ability to house multiple queens, making it a true marvel in the ant world.
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Ant Species Overview
Ant Species Overview
Meet Pogonomyrmex californicus, the powerhouse red harvester ant that stands out not just for its vibrant red color but for its extraordinary colony structure! Unlike most ant species, these colonies are polygynous, meaning they can house multiple queens, supercharging their growth and making them a true force of nature. Queens reach 8-10mm, leading an army of 5-7mm workers, all decked out in striking red from head to abdomen. Known for their relentless seed-gathering, these ants thrive on a diet of seeds, with insect protein essential during early stages to fuel rapid development. With their active foraging, bold appearance, and unparalleled reproductive strategy, Pogonomyrmex californicus offers an unmatched ant-keeping experience, promising a thriving, fast-expanding colony that will keep enthusiasts captivated and amazed.
Key Information About Californian Harvester Ant - Pogonomyrmex californicus (Polygynous Colonies Available!)
Key Information About Californian Harvester Ant - Pogonomyrmex californicus (Polygynous Colonies Available!)
Pogonomyrmex californicus is the perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned ant keepers, offering vibrant red coloration and a unique multi-queen (polygynous) colony structure that drives rapid, impressive growth. These hardy ants are easy to care for, thriving on a diet consisting of seeds with occasional insect protein to support development, especially during early stages. Their poor climbing abilities reduce the risk of escapes, making barrier maintenance simple and stress-free. Ideal for those seeking a manageable yet dynamic species, these harvester ants are relentless foragers, keeping the colony bustling with activity. However, while easy to manage, they can deliver a potent sting if provoked, so handling with respect is essential. With their stunning red bodies, energetic behavior, and the rare ability to house multiple queens, Pogonomyrmex californicus promises an exciting and fast-growing ant-keeping adventure like no other.
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Caring for Pogonomyrmex californicus is both easy and exciting, making it perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike. These vibrant red harvester ants thrive at temperatures between 90-95°F, with 93°F as the sweet spot, maintained using a heat mat or cable paired with a thermostat. While seeds make up the core of their diet, insect protein is crucial during early growth stages to fuel rapid development, and occasional nectar or sugar water gives them an extra energy boost. With their low escape risk thanks to poor climbing abilities, setting up and maintaining their habitat is a breeze, especially with a humidity gradient to keep them comfortable. But don’t be fooled by their simplicity—if provoked, these ants can pack a punch with their potent sting! With their eye-catching red bodies, tireless foraging behavior, and fast-growing, action-packed colonies, Pogonomyrmex californicus offers an unbeatable ant-keeping adventure that will keep you hooked from day one.
For more information on how to take care of your ant, visit our Care Guides.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
States available for purchase:
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Utah
- Shipping Days: We dispatch live ant orders from Monday to Wednesday to avoid weekend delays, ensuring your ants receive prompt and safe delivery.
- Express Delivery Services: All live ant orders are sent via reliable express carriers that guarantee delivery within 1-3 business days.
- Eligible Delivery Areas: We ship only to regions where overnight or two-day shipping options are available. This minimizes transit time and reduces stress on the ants.
- Specialized Packaging: Our packaging includes insulated materials, along with heat or cold packs as necessary, to maintain a stable and comfortable environment for the ants during transit.
For more information on shipping, visit our Shipping Policy Page.
Returns and Guarantees
Returns and Guarantees
Live Arrival Guarantee: If your ants arrive dead, we will provide a refund or replacement as long as you notify us within 24 hours of receiving them and provide clear photos showing their condition. Your satisfaction and the well-being of your ants are our top priority!
Two-Week Survival Window: If your colony doesn't thrive within two weeks despite following our care instructions, we'll replace it with a product of equal value.
Please note: Shipping costs for replacements are the responsibility of the buyer









Frequently Asked Questions
How does Antlantis ensure the ants are shipped safely?
At Antlantis, we take great care in packaging and shipping our ants. We use temperature-controlled packaging with ice packs for hot weather and heat packs for cold weather. This ensures that your ants arrive safe and healthy, regardless of the climate. We also time our shipments to avoid weekend delays, maximizing the chances of a swift and safe delivery.
What makes Antlantis different from other ant retailers?
- We specialize in native ant species, with over 60 species available for sale across the continental US.
- Our team consists of expert antkeepers who personally oversee the care and selection of our colonies.
- We are fully compliant with APHIS regulations, ensuring all our sales are legal and ethical.
- We offer comprehensive care guides and ongoing support to help you succeed in your antkeeping journey.
- Our two-week survival guarantee gives you peace of mind with your purchase.
I'm new to antkeeping. How do I know which species is right for me?
We understand that choosing your first ant species can be overwhelming. That's why we've categorized our ants by difficulty level - beginner, intermediate, and expert. For newcomers, we recommend starting with a species marked as "beginner". These ants are typically hardier and more forgiving as you learn the ropes of antkeeping. You can also reach out to our team for personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and interests.
What happens if my ants don't survive the first two weeks?
We stand behind the quality of our ants with our two-week survival guarantee. If your colony doesn't thrive within the first two weeks despite following our care instructions, we'll replace it with a product of equal value. Please note that while we cover the cost of the replacement, shipping fees for the new colony will be the responsibility of the buyer. We also ask for proof that our care instructions were followed to ensure the best outcomes for our ants.
Can Antlantis ship ants to my state?
Antlantis is able to ship to all 48 continental United States. However, due to regulations and to protect local ecosystems, we only ship ant species that are native to the recipient's state. When browsing our shop, you can filter ant species by state to see which ones are available for shipping to your location. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to Hawaii or Alaska at this time.
Why Choose Antlantis?
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Expert Antkeepers With Years of Experience
At Antlantis, our team is made up of seasoned antkeepers with years of hands-on experience caring for a wide variety of native species. We understand the unique needs of each colony and are committed to providing accurate guidance, ethical sourcing, and reliable care tips based on real-world expertise. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you can trust that your ants are being raised and shipped by passionate professionals who genuinely care about their well-being.
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APHIS-Compliant Shipping of Native Species Only
We strictly ship only native species in compliance with APHIS regulations to protect local ecosystems and prevent the spread of invasive ants. Before ordering, it's important to review which species are approved for your state. Orders placed for non-native ants may be refunded or subject to a restocking fee, so double-checking helps ensure a smooth and legal purchase experience.
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Comprehensive Ant Care Guides and Ongoing Support
We provide detailed ant care guides with each species to ensure you're fully prepared to house and grow your colony. These guides cover everything from setup and feeding to seasonal behavior and long-term maintenance. Whether you're new to antkeeping or expanding your collection, our team is here to support you beyond the purchase — offering personalized advice and prompt answers to your questions as your colony develops.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about this product or antkeeping in general, please contact us. We're here to help you succeed in your antkeeping journey!
I’ve had this colony for a few weeks and they never stop working. I love how organized they are with seed sorting and how the workers stay busy tending to the queen. She came healthy and already had a good brood pile going. Shipping was solid and fast.
The moment I unboxed them, the workers were already charging around like they owned the place. The queen looks great and had eggs already. Easily one of the most energetic colonies I’ve bought. Watch your fingers, they’re feisty lol.
I didn’t expect them to be this active right out of the tube. They’re constantly moving stuff around and clearing little paths. The queen was actually a bit smaller than I expected, but still super healthy and already laying. The workers got to tending her immediately. Whole colony came in perfect shape.