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. Mouthparts are for chewing. Red harvester ant foragers collect seeds and store them in their nests. In addition to seeds, dead insects are also collected for food.
Nests occur in open areas.
Often there is no vegetation within a 3 to 6 feet circular around the central opening of their colony and along foraging trails radiating from the colony. Heavy infestations in agriculture may reduce yield but colonies are usually widely separated. They do not invade homes or structures. Worker ants can bite and produce a painful sting but are generally reluctant to sting. Harvester ant workers are commonly sold for ant farms.