{"product_id":"pogonomyrmex-californicus","title":"Pogonomyrmex Californicus group of 5 (Polygynous Coastal Concolor)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePogonomyrmex californicus\u003c\/strong\u003e — the California harvester ant, coastal \u003cem\u003econcolor\u003c\/em\u003e form. One of the most rewarding harvesters you can keep, and this coastal concolor variety carries a standout trait: it founds \u003cstrong\u003epolygynously\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning multiple queens cooperate to build a single colony — faster early growth and a more resilient founding stage than single-queen species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully claustral — queens seal themselves away and raise the first workers on their own reserves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolygyny:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coastal concolor populations readily accept multiple queens, so this variety can be raised with several foundresses together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Granivorous — a seed mix is the staple, supplemented with insect protein for the brood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative range:\u003c\/strong\u003e California and the arid southwestern U.S.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy and forgiving — a great step up from a first colony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle with respect:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePogonomyrmex\u003c\/em\u003e deliver one of the most potent stings in the insect world. Keep the colony secure and handle with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom their chamber to your door — shipped with care by Royal Chamber Ants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew to this species?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/care-pogonomyrmex-californicus\"\u003eRead our full California Harvester care guide →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal Chamber Ants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49566062641457,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0869\/0375\/0961\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_7057d4df-f23a-4ee1-89cc-ba6399c228a8.jpg?v=1781379476","url":"https:\/\/rcants.com\/products\/pogonomyrmex-californicus","provider":"Royal Chamber Ants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}