Pheidole cerebrosiorSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Claustral. Single queen, sealed founding chamber, no outside food needed for the first generation. Native to the Southwestern US. Generalists that make-do with a wide range of conditions. Found typically in high desert, as well as mountain foothills. Colonies are relatively cryptic, but will readily trail to prey items. These ants are granivorous. Colonies when exposed from under a rock, can be seen with large amounts of various seeds. 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. Expect large granaries within the nest, these ants are more dry tolerant than most Pheidole. Provide them with seeds and protein , they love it! 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. Warm. We suggest a gradient of 75–88°F across the setup. 3/8" works well for this smaller species. Water & Humidity Moderately humid. Pheidole cerebrosior 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 will take carbohydrates but it's a relatively minor component of their diet. Occasional small honey drop in the outworld is fine. Can optionally setup a liquid feeder with sugar-water or Ant Nectar Mix. Protein Very protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week. The more frequent the better. TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. cerebrosior 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. Seeds This species is granivorous, and will readily store and consume seeds. Seeds are a major part of their diet. This species prefers small seeds that are easy for them to handle. The TJL Seed Mix is a good place to start if unsure of what kind to offer. Once per week 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 drops Moderate humidity Gradient 75–88°F Wait for the majors to arrive Thrice per week: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Once per week: Place a small honey-water drop in the outworld Every other week: Top up nest water