The closest species to a given harvester ant depends on the genus:
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If referring to Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Red Harvester Ant, North America):
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Closest relatives include other Pogonomyrmex species such as:
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Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ant)
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Pogonomyrmex rugosus (Rough Harvester Ant)
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All share similar nesting habits, powerful stings, and granivorous diets.
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If referring to Messor barbarus (Europe, North Africa, Asia):
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Closest relatives are other Messor species:
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Messor structor, Messor capitatus, Messor arenarius
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These ants are all seed collectors with polymorphic workers and massive underground granaries.
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Both Pogonomyrmex and Messor belong to different subfamilies and evolved seed-harvesting behavior independently—a striking example of convergent evolution.