Pheidole lamia Species Introduction

Door-headed majors used for colony defense, a truly unique Pheidole Species Introduction Claustral. Single queen, sealed founding chamber, no outside food needed for the first generation. Rarely kept and found in the Southeast US. Generalists that accept a wide range of food. Distinct dimorphic worker caste: tiny minors handle daily tasks while truncated "door headed" majors help with food-storage, colony defense, and processing food items. Slower growth than other Pheidole, forgiving species with two visible worker castes. Unique majors adapted towards colony defense. Formicarium Substrate or hydrostone nests work fine. The Substratum Nest can show off how the majors block off subterranean tunnels for colony defense. 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 lamia are adapted to clay heavy soil. 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. An 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 Protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week. TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. lamia colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. Once the colony is larger, they will take most feeder insects. Two to three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Seeds This species will consume seeds if the opportunity presents itself but it is not a major component of their diet, typically. You can offer them seeds if you'd like to but it's completely optional. 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+: Steadily 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 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