Massive Big-Headed Ants (Pheidole rhea)

Product Description

Pheidole rhea is a very desired species because it is one of the largest Pheidole species in the world. The workers are trimorphic, meaning there are minors, majors, and super-majors.  Many antkeepers have said that these ants are their “dream species”. If you watch some videos online, you will see why they are so popular. Note: Pheidole in general tend to be tiny ants. Pheidole rhea are much bigger than other Pheidole species but the workers are still very small.

Growth

Maintaining a suitable temperature is crucial for fast development. Ideally, their nest should be kept between 85-92 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heating gradient if possible. Heating gradients can be obtained with a heating cable. Abundant feeding contributes to their accelerated growth. Given optimal conditions, colonies can expand to thousands of workers within the first year. Growth can be slowed by keeping them at room temperature and less frequent feedings (once or twice per week).

Diet

Their diet is versatile, consisting of liquid sugars like byFormica Sunburst, seeds, and protein sources like crickets, fruit flies, and mealworms. If their diet includes seeds, they don’t need liquid sugars and vice verse. They seem to prefer chia, dandelion, and bluegrass seeds.

Housing

We generally sell our ants in test tubes. If local pickup is an option for you and the colony is large enough to move into a formicarium, we may be able to move the colony for you provided that you buy the setup from our store.

Live Arrival Guarantee

See our policy here.

Shipping or Local Pickup

Currently, we are able to ship within Arizona, and New Mexico. Your order will not get processed if your shipping address is outside of Arizona or New Mexico. Info about our permits can be found here. Local pickup is available in Tempe (near Ahwatukee) which is within the Metro Phoenix area.

Valid States:

AZ, NM