Pheidole bilimekiSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral and pleometrotic. Queens can found on their own or together in a shared chamber. Either way the chamber stays sealed and no outside food is needed for the first generation. Invasive to the Southern US. Generalists that make-do with a wide range of conditions. Distinct dimorphic worker caste: tiny minors handle daily tasks while majors with disproportionate heads help with food-storage, colony defense, and processing food items. Fast-growing, forgiving species with two visible worker castes. Will readily trail out for food as the colony grows. The only downside is they're small. Formicarium Substrate or hydrostone nests work fine. A clear nest with thin chambers shows off the major/minor caste contrast. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these tiny ants. Moderately warm. We suggest a gradient of 75–85°F across the setup. 3/8" works well for this smaller species. Water & Humidity Moderately humid. Pheidole bilimeki are quite versatile and are good at 'making do'. Recommended to use TrapJaw Labs PVA sponges during founding for improved success rates and more nanitics. Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times. Carbohydrates These ants want carbohydrates but it's a relatively minor component of their diet. Occasional small honey drop in the outworld is fine. We recommend providing sugar-water (we use our Ant Nectar Mix) and fresh-water liquid feeders in the outworld at all times. Protein Very protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week. The more frequent the better. TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. bilimeki colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies as well as pre-killed and cut mealworms. These ants will take most feeder insects. Two to three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Maintenance Week 1: Dark, warm, gently humid, and undisturbed. No food yet. Weeks 2–4: First workers appear. Start protein 2–3×/week. You may not see majors until the colony is larger. Months 2+: Rapidly growing colony. Majors begin appearing. They'll handle a lot of protein and grow accordingly. Diapause is not required for this species. Care Summary Protein 2–3×/week (more is better) Sugar via small open drops Moderate humidity Gradient 75–85°F Wait for the majors to arrive Mon/Wed/Fri: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Once per week: Place a small honey/sugar drop in outworld Every other week: Top up nest water