Pheidole piliferaSpecies Introduction
Claustral. Single queen, sealed founding chamber, no outside food needed for the first generation.
Native to the continental US. Medium seed harvesting Pheidole, workers of Pheidole pilifera can typically be found foraging for seeds outside of their nest. The majors of Pheidole pilifera are engineered for seed processing, workers can be seen within the nest holding up seeds to the majors mandibles to be processed. Although Pheidole pilifera is found quite north, we have found that they do not require diapause in captivity. Distinct dimorphic worker caste: tiny minors handle daily tasks while majors with disproportionate heads help with food-storage, colony defense, and processing food items.
Steady-growing species with two visible worker castes. Pheidole pilifera are a great species for any northern ant-keeper who doesn't have access to many non-diapausing ants. For their rarity they are quite an easy species to keep, being especially low maintenance due to their granivorous diet. Just keep the seeds flowing, they love it!
Formicarium
Substrate or hydrostone nests work fine. A clear nest with thin chambers shows off the major/minor caste contrast. The Substratum Sand Ant Nest is recommended for these ants. A secure nest and a fluon barrier for the outworld is recommended for these small ants.
Water & Humidity
Moderately humid. Pheidole pilifera want a humidity gradient throughout the nest to allow for seed storage in drier chambers.
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
Carbohydrates are recommended for pilifera. Sugar feeder in the outworld 24/7.
Occasional small honey drop in the outworld is fine.
We recommend providing a liquid feeder with sugar-water or Ant Nectar Mix.
Protein
Protein-loving. We suggest feeding protein 2–3 times a week.
TrapJaw Labs feeds our P. pilifera colonies with pre-killed D. melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies as well as pre-killed and cut mealworms. 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 diet consists of primarily seeds. Seeds will be readily collected and stored within drier portions of their nest. We suggest feeding seeds 1x/week. If workers stop accepting seeds its likely due to granaries being full, when that happens u can slow down how many seeds are being provided.
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)
- Seeds 1x/week
- Sugar via feeder 24/7
- Moderate humidity
- Gradient 75–88°F
- Wait for the majors to arrive