last updated 26.Apr.2008

Several groups of myrmicine ants have evolved independently on every continent to specialize as seed-feeders. Since harvester ants consist of many unrelated lineages, they are a functional category and not a taxonomic grouping.  They are more prevalent in arid regions, and they often play important ecological roles as seed dispersers.  Where harvester ants occur, they can be among the most visible members of the ant community. 

Some of the better-known harvester ants are Pogonomyrmex and Messor, but seed harvesting is also present in the genera Aphaenogaster, Pheidole, Meranoplus, and Monomorium.