Update 10/8
Pheidole furtiva
We have a major! She's still really small, but it's nice to have her at least. For being flavens-group these guys are actually not too bad to keep. I was disappointed at first when I saw they were flavens-group, as they tend to be the worst Pheidole to keep, but so far all is going well with them, so here's hoping it stays that way.
Pheidole vallicola
These guys so far are doing the best of any Pheidole I've gotten this season. They're up to 3 majors, with at least 2 more pupae in the pile and a few more larvae on the way. I'll be needing a formicarium for them soon, so next update will probably be when I end up moving them.
Pheidole spadonia
This colony of mine is doing exceedingly well also, although so far I don't see any signs of majors at all, even though they have around 30 workers. I gave them a bunch of seeds to see if that'd encourage them to start producing majors, so we'll see. I'm excited for when they do, because these guys get absolutely huge majors similar to P. pilifera.
Pheidole xerophila
Of the two "colonies" I have, both are doing well, with now brood of all stages of their own, however funnily enough the queen with fewer pilifera workers seems to have far more brood. Either way by the next update these guys will have their own workers finally!
Pheidole perpilosa
These guys got their first major a few days ago, and she's actually not bad at all! Typically Pheidole's first majors are pretty small compared to how they'll turn out, but this one's actually a good size. I'm not sure if this means they just get huge majors as a mature colony or if this is just a good first major, so we'll have to see. I'm doubtful their majors get too large, as fallax-group tend to have slimmer majors than pilifera-group.
Pheidole gilvescens
Sooner than later I'll be able to see if my ID for these guys is correct, as they've just now got a major larva in premolt! Gilvescens have very distinct majors, so it'll be an easy ID once she ecloses. I was surprised to see them with a major larva a few days ago, as they only have around 5 workers. My P. spadonia need to take notes!
Pheidole obtusospinosa
Unfortunately this queen didn't make it. I'll hopefully be able to get more next year, as I know exactly where to look, but it's still a little annoying that I need to wait until then.
Pheidole micula
The fallen fortress is pretty much full. I'm honestly not even sure why I keep assuming this colony will stay relatively small. At this point I bet they'll get over 100000 workers and I need a Nucleus 360 for them. Seriously though, it's actually looking like I'll need yet a larger nest for these guys. Mini labyrinth maybe? I really don't know. It's gotten to the point where finding the queen is a challenge. The other day I spent at least 5 minutes looking before I found her. As I've said in previous updates it's just a matter of time before I start seeing alates, and honestly I can't wait. They'll actually be the first colony I've raised from nanitics to alates!
Edited by CheetoLord02, October 8 2020 - 4:29 AM.