Pheidole pilifera

Buckeye Myrmecology has been granted permits by the USDA which allow us to ship these ants to many states in the Continental US. All shipments of Pheidole pilifera will include the relevant permit for your state and information on safe handling and disposal of these ants. States that we are allowed to ship Pheidole pilifera to are listed below.

STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Every state except Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Pheidole pilifera, Pheidole pilifera

Species Difficulty: Easy, an enthralling species for any antkeeper.

Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Pheidole pilifera grow quickly, similar to P. bicarinata. With proper feeding and heat, colonies can reach 200-400 workers in a year, and grow to a thousand the year after. While information on maximum colony size is limited for this species, it is expected to be a few thousand workers. Colonies are monogynous, with only one queen.¹

Worker/Queen Sizes and Polymorphism: P. pilifera workers can vary somewhat in coloration, with heads that range from black to dark red, and often a red mesosoma with a dark gaster. pilifera is dimorphic, and majors have a similar coloration to the workers. Queens typically have a red head and mesosoma with a darker gaster. Workers in this species are 2.4-2.8 millimeters long, and majors are 4.2-5.1mm. Queens are approximately 7-8mm in length.¹

Hibernation: This species can hibernate, but hibernation is optional and not recommended. To diapause Pheidole pilifera, place the colony into a fridge/wine cooler, or another cold place that does not drop below freezing. It is important to provide them with a constant water source during diapause, and check on them every few weeks to ensure that they still have water. As they wake up from diapause, colonies will be lethargic, but will not appear to be dead. For more information about diapause, refer to our guide.

Feeding Requirements: Pheidole pilifera is granivorous, and their colonies will happily accept seeds/nuts as sugar and protein source. However, these should only be offered alongside other food sources. Colonies require a constant source of sugars, typically either sugar water or honey. They accept common feeder insects for protein, such as superworms, mealworms, dubia roaches, and fruit flies. Proteins should be fed as often as the ants will accept them, or at least once a week.

Heating and Humidity: Heating can drastically speed up brood development. Brood will prefer high humidity, while workers will prefer medium.

Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, Pheidole pilifera are ground nesting, often nesting at the base of grasses and forming a small mound of fine soil/sand.¹ In captivity, they can thrive in many different nest environments, including acrylic, 3D printed, grout, and ultracal nests. Talcum powder, olive oil, and Fluon can be used to prevent escape.

Development Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks egg to worker time depending on heat and feeding.