Pheidole megacephala

Species at a glance

• Origin: probably Africa; spread by people across the tropics and subtropics worldwide
• Size: workers 2–4 mm; majors with very large heads
• Colony: many queens; colonies of tens to hundreds of thousands of ants
• Difficulty: intermediate, for keepers with some experience

Care conditions

• Temperature: 24–28 °C
• Humidity: 60–80%; a dry nest slows brood development
• Food: insects and sugars; an omnivore

Hibernation

Not needed: the colony stays active all year.

Farm and colony growth

The colony grows fast, so it needs a large modular farm with flawless escape prevention.

Please note

Never release the ants or throw nest material outdoors: this species displaces native ants. Keeping it is banned in some countries, so check your local rules.