Messor capitatus is a species in the Myrmicinae subfamily. They are also called the harvester ant because they are known to accept various types of seeds and grind them into a paste, which they then feed to the larvae and the queen. They are relatively easygoing and have few demands on their surroundings, making them an ideal species for patient beginners. However, it is important that this species is placed in a location with little to no vibration, as it is very sensitive to such vibrations and becomes stressed. This species also has very large soldiers, even larger than those of Messor barbarus