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Barbary harvester ant

Barbary harvester ant

Messor barbarus

A species of Harvester ants

The barbary harvester ant works with its colony to forage for seeds in crop fields. The ants are sometimes welcomed in the crop fields, as they may help control the weed population. Some people even purchase this species to create their own Barbary harvester ant farms.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Barbary harvester ant
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Attributes of Barbary harvester ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
arable field; vineyard
Adult Food Sources
Seeds of grasses, seeds of herbs, occasional insects, sweet substances like honeydew, organic detritus occasionally
Larva Food Source
Regurgitated liquid food from adults, insect parts, seeds ground by adults, sweet excretions from aphids (honeydew), plant juices
Biting/stinging
The Barbary harvester ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Barbary harvester ant feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Barbary harvester ant
It is found In Southern Europe and Northern Africa.
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Distribution Area of Barbary harvester ant
Southern Europe, Northern Africa
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Life Cycle of Barbary harvester ant
Egg The egg is small, oval, and typically a pearly white hue. It's the initial stage where the barbary harvester ant begins its life, relatively immobile and vulnerable, requiring care from adult barbary harvester ants.
Larva As larvae, barbary harvester ants are legless and worm-like, growing larger with each molt. They are primarily dependent on adults for food and protection, exhibiting little resemblance to adults.
Pupal Within the pupa, barbary harvester ant undergoes transformation. It's immobile, encased within a cocoon-like structure. This stage sees significant development of adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult barbary harvester ant's development is marked by the presence of wings (in reproductive individuals) and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Barbary harvester ant
3 - 18 mm
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Predators of Barbary harvester ant Larvae
Ants of other species, ant-eating birds, myrmecophilous parasites, various predatory insects, spiders
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Predators of Adult Barbary harvester ant
Anteaters, tegu lizards, ant-loving beetles, birds, spiders, larger predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Barbary harvester ant
Barbary harvester ant can carry objects up to 20 times their body weight, demonstrating incredible strength relative to their size.
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Scientific Classification of Barbary harvester ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Barbary harvester ant
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Youth Habitat of Barbary harvester ant
Deserts and Arid Regions, Grasslands and Prairies, Mediterranean-Type Shrublands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Barbary harvester ant
Deserts and Arid Regions, Grasslands and Prairies, Mediterranean-Type Shrublands, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Barbary harvester ant Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of barbary harvester ant often reside deep within subterranean nests where they are protected and cared for by worker ants. Searching for these larvae would require gently excavating ant hills, focusing on regions of loose soil which might indicate a chamber below. Pupae typically remain within these underground nests until they mature. Meanwhile, adult barbary harvester ant are commonly found foraging on the surface, especially in arid, sandy environments often spotted around seed piles, which they harvest. To locate adults in their natural habitat, look for well-traveled ant trails leading to and from the nest entrance during periods of activity.
Are Barbary harvester ant harmful?
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Usually, the barbary harvester ant won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Barbary harvester ant harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Barbary harvester ant
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Bite Humans

Barbary harvester ant is not characterized by a propensity to bite humans. These ants typically focus on seed collection and would only bite humans inadvertently or when feeling threatened, using their mandibles. However, such incidents are rare, and the bites usually have mild consequences, causing slight discomfort rather than severe harm.

More Effects of Barbary harvester ant

Beneficial Effects of Barbary harvester ant
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Seed Dispersal
Seed Dispersal
Barbary harvester ant are known to collect seeds as a food resource, storing them in their nests. The uneaten seeds are provided with an ideal environment for germination far from the parent plant, thus assisting in seed dispersal. This process is known as myrmecochory, benefiting a wide range of plant species.
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