Pheidole pilifera ||Live queen|| [Hairy Big-Headed Ant]

Pheidole pilifera, also known as the “Hairy Big-Headed ant” is most known for their polymorphism (different sized ants most commonly referred to as minors/majors). The minor to major difference in Pheidole pilifera is the largest out of all the Pheidole species in Canada. 

Their colony size is relatively small compared to other ants like Crematogaster or Tetramorium. Pheidole pilifera can reach a very controllable size of 1.5-2k workers in a colony; mentioned in the caresheet below, these ants are granivorous and take seeds as their primary source of carbohydrates, opposed to liquid sugars that you would normally give to your ants. 

Unfortunately, the population of these ants are rather low in Canada, and in order to get these ants in decent numbers on the shop, we applied for permits and are able to do the importation of this specific species, legally. 

Care Guide:

Despite their hardy nature, it is still important to provide proper care for an optimal growing season. 

Food

Pheidole pilifera will eat anything they get their hands on. From insects (beetle larvae, fruit flies, or roaches.) These ants don’t really prioritize sugars and use seeds as an alternative. Such as: chia seeds, dandelion seeds, and other assorted bird seeds.

Temperature and Humidity:

The temperature should be kept from 24-28C and 60-70% humidity is perfect for these ants. THESE ANTS DO NOT REQUIRE DIAPAUSE/HIBERNATION

Ant nest

Pheidole pilifera will do great in any of our Esthetic Ant setups. When choosing the size of the nest, the colony should take up at least 40%+ of the nest capacity to insure the colony doesn't feel vulnerable and stressed.