Pheidole pallidula

This species of Pheidole are also called big-headed ants and are rather small in size. These, too, are aggressive towards other insects and leave the nest in relatively big groups in search for food. It has been reported that they have a bigger craving for nutrion than a lot of other ant species and that they’re always on the lookout for more food.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 7mm – 8mm
Workers: aprox. 2mm – 4mm
Soldiers: aprox. 5mm – 6mm
Colony type: polygyne
Colony size: about 8,000 – 10,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. They are relatively easy to keep, but require slightly higher temperatures

Habitat
Distribution: Southern Europa and North Africa
Habitat: open area’s with lots of greenery
Natural nest: they often build their nests underground and under stones
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, 3D- and acrylicnests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 70%
Recommended temperature: 22°C – 28°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugarwater and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. They also accept grass seeds. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: yes, from december till the end of february
Claustral: yes, no need to feed until the first workers arrive
Matingflight period: most matingflights get reported in may and september
Egg to worker: 6 to 8 weeks depending on how they are being kept