The Red Harvester Ant is the famed 'ant' of childhood ant farms and is one of the most studied ants in behavioral science due to its remarkably organized seed-harvesting activities and complex colony communication. Large, cleared nest mounds surrounded by scattered seeds are characteristic. Workers deliver among the most painful stings of any insect.
Best time to see a Red Harvester Ant
The best time to see a Red Harvester Ant is March–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,120 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Red Harvester Ant? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Red Harvester Ant sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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