6 replies to this topic

[Major]

OK, so I am currently thinking of purchasing a Pheidole Bicarinata colony with 10-15 workers. I love the extent of polymorphism between majors and minors. I wanted to ask a few questions before I make any desicions. I've already searched about them in the forums but couldn't find too much.


- Do they like high humidity? Will Drew's starter formicaria be OK with them? (also thinking about getting that)

- How big do colony's get?

- When do they get majors?

- How do you feed them liquid foods, they tend to drown themselves?

- Does anyone have any experience with this species, if so could you explain your experience with them and anything else that I may need to know?

Edited by Major, August 15 2018 - 8:56 AM.

[YsTheAnt]

-Drew's starter formicarium is perfect. They are a pain to move early on, and with test tubes you will need to move them out fast. With Drew's design you don't have to. Pheidole like humidity and will die if kept to dry in a matter of days.

-Colonies can get fairly large, I am not sure on the upper limit, but usually mature colonies are at least 500-1,000 workers, probably even more.

-The time it takes for the colony to get majord varies. It is usually before 50 workers though, oftentimes much earlier.

-Using something as a sponge (cotton) or a liquid feeder might be the best way to feed this species.

-They are fun to keep and a pain to move. Keep humidity up and you are good to go.

[Major]

-Drew's starter formicarium is perfect. They are a pain to move early on, and with test tubes you will need to move them out fast. With Drew's design you don't have to. Pheidole like humidity and will die if kept to dry in a matter of days.
-Colonies can get fairly large, I am not sure on the upper limit, but usually mature colonies are at least 500-1,000 workers, probably even more.
-The time it takes for the colony to get majord varies. It is usually before 50 workers though, oftentimes much earlier.
-Using something as a sponge (cotton) or a liquid feeder might be the best way to feed this species.
-They are fun to keep and a pain to move. Keep humidity up and you are good to go.

Thanks you'd so much! This is exactly what I needed to know!

[CoolColJ]

One of my colonies has a major pupa already at 18 workers

So if they get lots of food, which they will since they are captive, then the major larvae shows up pretty soon.

It just takes a while for the pupa to eclose

 

 

 

I don't know about Pheidole species in other countries, but the ones here in Australia they get into the 10000 and more range

And the species here are above average in size

 

 

 

--

 

I use raw honey, small drops, no issues. But test tube water feeders work best

Cream honey is solid

Edited by CoolColJ, August 16 2018 - 8:44 PM.

[DaveJay]

I like near the start of the video where he says "...they never seem to sit still" , and there's a major in the middle of the screen not moving at all! I imagined "except for that !@#$* who's gonna get squished if she keeps messing with me!"

[Solinopis]

Pheidole what a beautiful species I keep this species at my Florida home. They are quite the amazing species and get there majors pretty fast. How old is your colony

[Major]

It isn't my colonly- yet. I will be purchasing one soon. It will be 15-20 workers.