The decline, particularly in the eastern part of the state, has caused some alarm because these ants serve as a major source of food for the rapidly disappearing and threatened Texas horned lizard. They have squarish heads and no spines on the body. Seven of these species are found only in far west Texas. Life cycle Winged males and females swarm, couple and mate, especially following rains. Winged forms are larger than worker ants.
Males soon die and females seek a suitable nesting site.
After dropping her wings, the queen ant digs a burrow and produces a few eggs. Larvae are white and legless, shaped like a crookneck squash with a small distinct head. Pupation occurs within a cocoon. Worker ants produced by the queen ant begin caring for other developing ants, enlarge the nest and forage for food. Pest status Worker ants can give a painful, stinging bite, but are generally reluctant to attack.