Pheidole megacephalaSpecies Introduction

Species Introduction Colonies are rarely founded by freshly-flown queens. Instead, the queens will partake in nuptial flights, then often return to established colonies in the area. P. megacephala originates in Africa and has since spread to much of the subtropics and tropics. In North America, these ants are super-polygynous invasives that dominate the landscape with their sheer numbers. Not hard to keep, necessarily, they can just begin to grow out of control. Formicarium Arboreal or hydrostone nests work fine. These ants are content in most nests (within reason). Make sure it is large enough for them. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these small escape-artists. Moderately warm. We suggest a gradient of 75–90°F across the setup. 3/8"-1/2" works well for this smaller species. Water & Humidity P. megacephala are opportunists. They will nest anywhere they can, within reason. So long as it is moderately humid in the nest, with a gradient, they'll be okay. 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. Protein P. megacephala love protein. Make sure to give them quite a lot of it! TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. megacephala colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies. Once the colony is larger, they will take most feeder insects. It is also difficult to feed P. megacephala a diet of D. melanogaster/D. hydei for very long because they require so much food. Two to Three times per week. Increase amounts to scale with brood development. Carbohydrates P. megacephala need carbohydrates more than most Pheidole spp. Occasional small honey-water or sugar-water drop in the outworld is fine. Keep a liquid feeder with water (distilled, purified, or spring) in the foraging area at all times. Maintenance Week 1: Dark, warm, gently humid, and undisturbed. Do not feed. Assuming that your queens are from one of the rare populations in which their queens found. Weeks 3-6: First workers appear. Start protein 2-3×/week and offer carbohydrates. Months 2+: Growing colony. They'll take a TON of food if you want to give it to them. Diapause is not required for this species. Care Summary Protein 2–3×/week (more is better) Sugar via small open drops Moderate humidity Gradient 75–90°F Twice per week: Offer pre-killed protein, clear leftovers within 24h Once per week: Place a small honey-water/sugar-water drop in outworld Every week: Top up nest water