10 replies to this topic

[lozow]

I was wondering if anyone knows what seeds I can buy to feed to my colony of Pheidole Dentata and where to get them.

[CheetoLord02]

Pheidole dentata are part of the Pheidole fallax species group, and are not very granivorous. They are fairly unlikely to accept most types of seeds. Species in the Pheidole pilifera-group on the other hand are much more akin to eating various seeds and grains. 

For P. dentata, a diet of liquid sugars and feeder insects is great. P. dentata are more of a predator/hunter species, so most of their protein comes from prey insects rather than nuts or seeds. Liquid sugars are also a great idea for them, since their majors have large social stomachs to act as repletes.

Here's a video of a wild colony swarming honey, just for fun: 

Edited by CheetoLord02, March 16 2021 - 6:34 PM.

[TennesseeAnts]

I can confirm- Cheeto is correct. 

 

In my experience Ph. dentata will prefer roaches, crickets, superworms and large amounts of fruit flies for protein, and I've never had a captive colony accept any seeds or nuts. Their favorite source of carbohydrates in the wild comes from fruits and aphids, but in captivity honey, apples and sugar water work exceptionally.

[gs5248]

Pheidole dentata are part of the Pheidole fallax species group, and are not very granivorous. They are fairly unlikely to accept most types of seeds. Species in the Pheidole pilifera-group on the other hand are much more akin to eating various seeds and grains. 

For P. dentata, a diet of liquid sugars and feeder insects is great. P. dentata are more of a predator/hunter species, so most of their protein comes from prey insects rather than nuts or seeds. Liquid sugars are also a great idea for them, since their majors have large social stomachs to act as repletes.

Here's a video of a wild colony swarming honey, just for fun: 

Which group is Californica in?

[TennesseeAnts]

 

Pheidole dentata are part of the Pheidole fallax species group, and are not very granivorous. They are fairly unlikely to accept most types of seeds. Species in the Pheidole pilifera-group on the other hand are much more akin to eating various seeds and grains. 

For P. dentata, a diet of liquid sugars and feeder insects is great. P. dentata are more of a predator/hunter species, so most of their protein comes from prey insects rather than nuts or seeds. Liquid sugars are also a great idea for them, since their majors have large social stomachs to act as repletes.

Here's a video of a wild colony swarming honey, just for fun: 

Which group is Californica in?

 

They are in the Ph. flavens-group if I remember correctly.

[CheetoLord02]

 

Pheidole dentata are part of the Pheidole fallax species group, and are not very granivorous. They are fairly unlikely to accept most types of seeds. Species in the Pheidole pilifera-group on the other hand are much more akin to eating various seeds and grains. 

For P. dentata, a diet of liquid sugars and feeder insects is great. P. dentata are more of a predator/hunter species, so most of their protein comes from prey insects rather than nuts or seeds. Liquid sugars are also a great idea for them, since their majors have large social stomachs to act as repletes.

Here's a video of a wild colony swarming honey, just for fun: 

 

Which group is Californica in?

 

Actually, P. californica are in pilifera-group. They'll readily accept seeds as part of their diet.

[ArmyAntz]

Is the Pheidole fervens species group similar to the fallax group, or will they also take grains and seeds?

[TennesseeAnts]

Pheidole dentata are part of the Pheidole fallax species group, and are not very granivorous. They are fairly unlikely to accept most types of seeds. Species in the Pheidole pilifera-group on the other hand are much more akin to eating various seeds and grains. 
For P. dentata, a diet of liquid sugars and feeder insects is great. P. dentata are more of a predator/hunter species, so most of their protein comes from prey insects rather than nuts or seeds. Liquid sugars are also a great idea for them, since their majors have large social stomachs to act as repletes.
Here's a video of a wild colony swarming honey, just for fun:

Which group is Californica in?

Actually, P. californica are in pilifera-group. They'll readily accept seeds as part of their diet.

I think I actually knew that- though I'm not sure why it didn't come to me earlier, lol.

[NickAnter]

Ph. navigans is in the flavens group, and I have some experience in keeping them. Their preferred foods are most definitely regular proteins, instead of seeds. In the wild, where large protein sources are uncommon(argentines everywhere), they will accept seeds with abandon. In captivity, the most they will do, at least in my experience, is send a couple workers who will maybe chew a few small pieces off of the seed. I imagine it is possible to feed a colony very small amounts of insect protein, as that would probably encourage them to eat seeds more, but seeing as they seem to prefer insects, that might not be beneficial to their growth.

[CheetoLord02]

This thread is making me think I should make a guide to North American Pheidole species groups. That one would take quite a bit more research than the fungus grower guide, though.

[Kaelwizard]

This thread is making me think I should make a guide to North American Pheidole species groups. That one would take quite a bit more research than the fungus grower guide, though.

Drew should move your fungus grower guide to the care sheet subforum if he hasn't already.