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NOT FOR SALE OUTSIDE OF THE CONTIGUOUS U.S. (LOWER 48)

***California Residents Require a Permit – Email us at tarheelants@gmail.com on more information how to apply for this permit.  This permit is being granted FAST, most times within 1-2 days.  The link to the page to apply this permit is below:

Main page: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/permitsandregs.html

Permit Page: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/docs/forms/Form_66-026.pdf

 NOTE:If you are unable to complete a digital signature, you may print the application and either scan and email the signed form to permits@cdfa.ca.gov or fax it to 916-654-1018.

9/19/19 Update –

Shipping is now being done Monday through Wednesday. We are still shipping out older orders with Mini Hearth add-ons, new orders are also being shipped out as quickly as possible.  Please email us for questions about ordering!  tarheelants@gmail.com.

NOTE: PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING>>>>>>ONLY SHIPPED VIA USPS.  DO NOT CHOOSE OR REQUEST ANOTHER MAIL CARRIER.  WE ONLY SHIP THESE ANTS VIA USPS.

• Any orders received that require ants to be shipped to a location we cannot legally ship to (outside of the continential U.S.) will be immediately voided and refunded upon discovery.
•   Additions to your order that require additional time to complete may extend your order time.  Weather plays a very important factor in our ability to ship live ants.  Please make sure you plan on being home the day of delivery or use the tracking number we emailed you to keep updated on when your package is delivered.

Recommended product for this order (these ants require additional heating) :  Zoo Med Heating Cable 

Shipping and other information 

These ants are shipped in test tubes on a Genesis Test Tube Insert with substrate flooring and exterior, puncture resistant protection for the test tube is provided in the packaging to prevent damage during transport.  When it is potential a benefit to do so, we also ship ice packs with the queens. Currently the queens have 4-6 pupae and larger larvae (9/20). The Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Care Guide Page is posted on our website under the Guides heading.  Also, a small seed packet (2 month supply approximately) is sent with your queen.

Further Information 

As of August 9th, 2019 Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, aka “western harvester ant”  became the first species of ant deregulated by the USDA for transport across state lines inside the contiguous U.S. states. More information on this can be found by clicking here.

Queens and colonies sold through this page are hand-picked from our stock daily (rotated up and down daily from the top 5%).  We have a large number of queens we are raising and are working constantly improving techniques to raise these ants.  By following some specific guidelines for maintenance and care (seeds, heating during growth season, etc.) these ants can turn into thriving pet ant colonies.

Regarding Fertilitity

All founding queens have been under observation for a minimum of three weeks by the shipping date.  Queens shipped are guaranteed fertile, as they will be shipped with their own brood.

Mini Hearth Add-On Package: The Mini Hearth has been the most widely used formicarium we have for the genus and more specifically Pogonomyrmex occidentalis.  As a package deal we offer a Mini Hearth with all the fixins’ you want at no additional cost (XL versions +$10), a guide for keeping these ants (found on our website)  and a small package of organic seeds (enough for 2-3 months approximately).  We recommend a heating cable or pad as well unless you have the ability to keep them in an area around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  The guide covers all aspects of keeping them as pets including heating, feeding, general care, and other tips.  Please note that the addition of this option will require the Mini Hearth be made before your queen or small colony is shipped.  This can take 7-10 business days, usually less.

Warranty:  The delivery of these ants alive is guaranteed.  Having said that, you are expected to make arrangements to be available to receive your ants if the temperature is too warm or too cold on the day of arrival.  We recommend leaving instructions for the mail carrier to not leave this package in the sun!  If there is any problem with delivery you must contact us immediately by email or phone.  After the ants arrive we cannot guarantee their survival.  We have put significant time and energy into putting together advice on how to best raise them so please read the PDF thoroughly.  Email us at tarheelants@gmail.com with comments or questions.

Older Post Information

Regarding Brood Boosting  (SOLD OUT)

In doing research on this species, according to a keeper with 8 years experience with the species, the success rate of these colonies is much higher than with brood boosting versus having a queen alone.  This is in line with general care for other species of the genus, which also benefits from brood boosting.  In addition, there is considerable evidence via research with other species that boosting can signifiantly improve the rate of egg production as well as long-term survival and colony growth (see link below).  As this species is new, I wanted them available for everyone in whatever capacity people wish to purchase them in, so we only have a few brood boosted colonies available.

Ouagoussounon, Issa & Sinzogan, A.A.C. & Offenberg, Joachim & Adandonon, A & Vayssières, Jean-François & Kossou, D. (2013). Pupae Transplantation to Boost Early Colony Growth in the Weaver Ant Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology. 60. 10.13102/sociobiology.v60i4.374-379.