Pheidole megacephala

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Pheidole megacephala is a polygynous ant species with colony sizes of up to 50,000 workers. They have a fast development speed and are characterized by their dark brown color with a reddish shade in the light. They primarily feed on food insects such as cockroaches and crickets, as well as syrup made from a mixture of water and honey.

zł 119.90 – zł 289.90

Number of workers	Clear

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Product care

The most important thing is that you read the temperature conditions, moisture and what to feed the ants. It is important not to introduce too small a colony into a large formicarium, much less just one queen. It’s good if the formicarium is divided by partitions and if the first chamber is very small (such as in our Comfort formicarium). We recommend reading more information about keeping ants in our blogs!

Product details

Difficulty in breeding	For begginers
Behavior	Aggressive
Wintering	No Wintering
The size of ants	Small
Origin	Africa, Eastern and South Asia

Description

Pheidole megacephala is a fascinating ant species belonging to the genus Pheidole. These ants are commonly known as big-headed ants due to the size of their heads. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, size, nutritional needs, humidity and temperature requirements, as well as recommended nest setups for breeding these amazing ants.

Colony Type: Polygyny

Pheidole megacephala colonies have a polygynous structure, meaning they have multiple reproductive females known as queens. This unique colony type allows for rapid growth and impressive colony sizes.

Colony Size: Up to 50,000 workers

Mature Pheidole megacephala colonies can consist of up to 50,000 workers. These workers have various roles within the colony, including foraging, nest maintenance, brood care, and defense.

Development Speed: Fast

Pheidole megacephala colonies develop at a rapid pace. From egg to adult, these ants go through their life cycle quickly, allowing the colony to expand efficiently.

Size

Queen: The queen ant of Pheidole megacephala measures around 6-8 mm in length. She is the largest member of the colony and is responsible for laying eggs to sustain the population.
Workers: The workers of Pheidole megacephala are relatively smaller, measuring around 2-3 mm in length. These workers perform essential tasks for the colony’s survival.
Majors: Pheidole megacephala colonies also have larger individuals known as majors, measuring approximately 3-4 mm in length. Majors have specialized roles such as defending the colony and undertaking physically demanding tasks.

Pheidole megacephala ants are predominantly dark brown with varying intensities. When exposed to light, they may display a noticeable reddish shade, adding to their visual appeal.

Nutrition

Pheidole megacephala ants have a diverse diet, including both animal and plant matter. To meet their nutritional needs, consider the following:

Food insects: Pheidole megacephala feeds on insects like cockroaches and crickets, providing essential protein for the colony.
Syrup: Offer a syrup made with a mixture of water and honey. A ratio of 4 parts water to 1-3 parts honey provides the ants with an energy-rich food source.
Fruits and vegetables: Provide a variety of fresh produce to ensure a balanced diet for the colony.
Jelly: Offer jelly specifically formulated for ants, providing additional carbohydrates and nutrients.
Cooked chicken: Without salt, cooked chicken can be provided as a source of animal protein. Thoroughly cook the chicken to remove any harmful bacteria or parasites.

Humidity and Temperature

Maintaining suitable humidity and temperature levels is crucial for the health of Pheidole megacephala colonies. Here are the recommended ranges:

Humidity: Keep the humidity levels in the arena between 50 – 70%, and in the nest area, aim for a slightly higher range of 50 – 80%.
Temperature: Maintain the arena temperature between 21-30 °C, while the nest area should be kept at a slightly higher range of 24-30 °C. These ranges emulate the natural habitat of Pheidole megacephala and promote their overall well-being.

Characteristics of the Species

Pheidole megacephala is characterized by its aggressive nature, rapid reproduction rate, and remarkable polymorphism. These ants form aggressive armies, capable of defending their territory and taking on rival colonies. Their ability to multiply quickly helps them establish large and thriving colonies, making them highly successful as a species.

Another striking feature of Pheidole megacephala is their remarkable polymorphism. Within a single colony, these ants exhibit a range of sizes, from the smaller worker ants to the larger majors with their distinctive head shape. This polymorphism allows for division of labor within the colony, ensuring efficient functioning and specialization in different tasks.

Recommended Nests for Breeding

Pheidole megacephala colonies thrive best in suitable nest setups. Consider the following recommended nest materials:

Acrylic: Acrylic nests provide a transparent and durable housing solution for observing ant activities. They are easy to maintain and clean.
Cork: Natural cork nests provide a more natural and eco-friendly habitat for ants. They can also provide insulation and help regulate moisture levels.
Plaster: Plaster nests offer a solid and stable environment for the ants. They can be customized to accommodate the specific needs of the colony.
Aerated Concrete: Nests made of aerated concrete are known for their excellent insulation properties, promoting a stable temperature and humidity for the ants.

By choosing one of these recommended nest materials, ant keepers can create a suitable and comfortable living space for their Pheidole megacephala colony, supporting their growth and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Pheidole megacephala is an intriguing species of ants with various remarkable characteristics. From their polygynous colony structure to their fast development speed and aggressive behavior, these ants captivate ant enthusiasts. By understanding their size, nutritional needs, humidity and temperature requirements, and providing them with suitable nest setups, ant keepers can successfully rear and enjoy keeping Pheidole megacephala colonies.