Pheidole obtusospinosaSpecies Introduction

Claustral. Single queen, sealed founding chamber, no outside food needed for the first generation.

Native to the Southwestern US. One of the largest Pheidole species found in the US, Pheidole obtusospinosa is one of the few Pheidole species with minor workers, major workers, and super majors. The super majors are believed to be used in colony defense, specifically against Neivamyrmex army ants. Colonies and founding queens are commonly found under rocks, and will readily defend their nest. Distinct trimorphic worker caste: minors handle daily tasks while majors and super majors with disproportionate heads help with food-storage, colony defense, and processing food items. These ants are very aggressive and will readily swarm prey items!

Pheidole obtusospinosa is a fast-growing species that can typically reach colony maturity in the first year. Capable of reaching thousands of individuals within the first year, these ants are quite exciting for any ant-keeper that enjoys fast-growing ants. Unlike most trimorphic Pheidole, Pheidole obtusospinosa are mostly uninterested in seeds, their diet consists primarily of insect prey, carrion, and liquid carbohydrates. Colonies get super majors relatively early on, typically before the thousands. These ants can be quite sensitive straight out of founding, that's when most people mess them up. Provide lots of protein, and a constant source of liquid carbohydrates, and they will thrive.