Pheidole spathifera

These species of the Pheidole genus are quite similar to other Chinese species of the Pheidole genus. They all have those distinctive large heads, are aggressive hunters and are relatively easy to keep if you use a heating device such as a heating mat or heating cable to raise the temperature in their nest. The advantage of this particular species is that there is quite a lot of information available about them, not to mention countless video’s.

These small ants would appreciate a small layer of sand in their nest or at least in their outworld. Other substrate such as cocopeat wouldd also suffice. This would also help with humidity as the subtrate would absorb moisture and retain it, which is especially useful in acrylic and 3D printed nests.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 6mm – 7,5mm
Workers: aprox. 3mm – 6,5mm
Soldiers: aprox. 5,5mm – 6,5mm
Colony type: polygyne
Colony size: about 2,000 – 3,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Moderate. They are relatively easy to keep, but require slightly higher temperatures

Habitat
Distribution: India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China
Habitat: often found around forest edges
Natural nest: they often build their nests underground and under rocks
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, 3D- and acrylicnests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 80%
Recommended temperature: 24°C – 28°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugarwater and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: no
Claustral: yes, no need to feed until the first workers arrive
Matingflight period: on warm, humid days around july – september
Egg to worker: 6 to 8 weeks depending on how they are being kept