Hairy Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole pilifera)

General: Pheidole pilifera is a small/medium sized, granivorous species of Pheidole native to most of the US! They’re known for their majors with huge heads and their affinity for seeds. Colonies can live entirely off of seeds (though added protein is recommended). These are one of the most sought-after Pheidole in much of the US!

Diet: This species can live almost entirely off of seeds. Our seed mix (available with this product) consists of a variety of seeds that this species like and includes tiny pieces of protein flake to assist the colony in its growth. It’s recommended to add protein (fruit flies, roaches, etc) occasionally.

Colonies will store seeds. Make sure to always add fresh seeds every little while, and that there’s a pile of new seeds for the ants to eat at all times!

Temperature: For growing periods, keep this species at around 78-84 at most times. Around 80 degrees is likely best. Ensure that the nest is always humid, but that there’s a drier area for the seeds to be stored.

Diapause: This species can diapause, but can also skip it. If you prefer to diapause them, cool them down to around 40 degrees for 1-2 months. This should reset their growing period. Don’t put them in the freezer.

Growth: Brood development typically takes around 4-7 weeks depending on heating and caste. This species can get up to 500 workers in the first year, and beyond 1000 after that. Colonies rarely grow larger than 2000 workers.

Queen size: 7mm

Worker size: 2.5-3.5mm

Major size: 3.5-4.5mm (huge heads)

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.