Pheidole pallidula – Colony with Queen and Workers

Description

Pheidole pallidula is covered by the Fourmiculture Charter:

1. Establishment approved by the Veterinary Services and the prefecture, in possession of the certificate of capacity for the sale of ants (decision No. 2016195-0002 of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations), 2. Guide
du Parfait Antculteur offered and sheet sanitation provided,
3. Ants guaranteed free of mites and parasites,
4. Health demonstrated by the laying of the queen and the presence of brood on shipment,
5. No “boost” (addition of brood or external workers to sell colonies faster),
6. Delivery guaranteed in good health: partial refund in case of loss of workers, total in case of loss of the queen (if delivered within 48 hours), 7.
Shipping possible from -12°C to + 40°C thanks to our optional isothermal packaging,
8. Species present in France, non-invasive and not threatened,
9. Colony taken back and costs covered if you wish to part with it (see conditions).
______________________________________________________________________________________________

In Pheidole pallidula, unlike many species which have workers of all sizes (Messor, Camponotus) or of the same size (Lasius, Crematogaster, etc.), there are two very distinct castes in: workers and soldiers, dedicated to the defense of the colony and the storage of food in their abdomen. We can also speak of soldiers because all the workers are female.

In Pheidole pallidula, the presence of soldiers, its record development and its reckless behavior make it a formidable species for other ants and a fascinating subject of study for ant enthusiasts.

The distant tropical origins of Pheidole pallidula allow it to remain active and grow at the same rapid pace all year round. Feel free to heat it to 27°C 365 days a year!

It only takes 3 weeks to go from egg to adult. But since the workers only live for a few months, the queen must lay eggs en masse to renew her offspring. Imagine a colony of 50,000 workers. This is the number of eggs she must lay before the workers die of old age!

Warning: Pheidole pallidula are so small and reckless that they are always trying to get out of their anthill. Be attentive and do not hesitate to contact us to check if your anthill is suitable. Regarding the feeding part, an Observation Space is recommended for its effectiveness. Indeed, the escapes of Pheidole pallidula are possible if your anthill is unsuitable. Beware of plexiglass models, especially foreign ones, which are assembled without glue. Also pay attention to the hunting area which must have either our special treatment or high walls that you can treat. Oil is not recommended. Better not to take any chances with this small but reckless species.

As for food, Pheidole pallidula is so small that it risks drowning in sweet liquids. Do not hesitate to put a little cotton in the liquids to avoid any risk, or distribute very small quantities. Pheidole pallidula will also happily feed on insects, natural tuna and other sources of solid protein.

Once the right conditions are in place, the colony will be able to thrive and ensure excellent sightings. It is a species that we greatly appreciate in breeding despite its few constraints. Here is a presentation video with Pheidole pallidula breeding sheet by Steve:

Pheidole pallidula information :

Size of minor workers: 2-3mm
Size of soldier workers: 3-5mm
Size of the queen: about 7-8mm
Recommended temperature: 27°C during the day and 22-24°C at night
Wintering: None, not recommended, otherwise, short and inexpensive.
Humidity: Medium, do not let dry

Species incompatible with gel anthills, like all colonies with a queen!
The assembly of the artificial anthill and its anti-escape system must be well checked for this very small species.

Latin name:		Pheidole pallidula
Common name :		None
Taxonomy:		Subfamily: Myrmicinae Genus: Pheidole
Difficulty level		(2) Delicate species in terms of escape, food requirement and temperature
Distribution:		Southern Europe, North Africa
Habitat:		Sandy areas, exposed to heat
Number of queens:		polygynous (can theoretically accommodate multiple queens per colony, usually known with 1 queen per colony)
Queen :		Size: 7 – 8mm Colour: Reddish brown
Workers:		Size: 2 – 4mm Color: Black, reddish heads in soldiers. Lighter colouring, even yellow depending on the colonies and origins.
Soldiers:		6mm
Males:		Size: 4 – 6mm Colour: black
Feed :		Lots of protein, insects, meat, ham, fish, protein pellets, sweet jellies, sweet liquids, honeydew, fruit, some seeds.
Humidity :		Hunting area: 30 – 50% (low to medium) Nest: 50 – 70% of the surface (medium to high)
Temperature:		Hunting area: 25 – 30°C Nest: 21 – 28°C (27°C for optimal brood growth. Lower temperature leads to stagnation.
Hibernation:		Optional, this species is one of the only ones to develop without limit in winter at 27°C.
Type of natural nest:		Builds its nest in the ground, under stones and digs tunnels in sandy soils in particular.
Type of anthill:		Can dig aerated concrete and plaster. Recommended Plexiglas or hardened plaster, mortar, glass, etc. Provided there is sufficient humidity.
Size of the anthill:		4 to 8mm high, about 5 to 20cm to start.
Substrate:		Not necessary but like to dig. Mixture of potting soil and sand, oasis moss, etc.
Plants:		Not necessary, but commonly lives in contact with various herbs and plants.
Decoration:		Sand, rocks, dry wood
Behavior :		Aggressive, strong recruitment and activity when attacked
Development:		Swarms from May to September. The queen founds her colony alone. Workers are born in 28 days. The colony reaches 10,000 workers or more.
Quantity sold :		1 fertilized queen with brood and workers according to option.

Photo 2: © Elham Kashani Antweb.com Photo 1 & 3: © colonies.over-blog.com