Pheidole angulifera

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Wet montane forests in southern Pacific highlands of Costa Rica and Antioquia, Colombia, nesting in dead branches at approximately 1200m elevation ^[1][3][4].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne based on Pheidole genus patterns, but unconfirmed for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, but inferred from Pheidole genus to be around 5-7 mm.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, but inferred from Pheidole genus to be around 2-4 mm.
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available for this species.
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available for this species.
  • Development: Unconfirmed. Based on typical Pheidole patterns in tropical species, estimate 4-8 weeks at optimal temperature. (No direct development data exists for Pheidole angulifera. Estimates based on genus-level patterns for small Myrmicinae in tropical environments.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Based on highland wet forest habitat, likely prefers moderate temperatures around 20-24°C. Avoid overheating above 26°C ^[1].
  • Humidity: High humidity required, keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water source in the outworld ^[1].
  • Diapause: Unknown for this species. Given the highland origin, they may experience cooler seasonal temperatures but true diapause requirements are unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: In nature, colonies nest in dead wood branches. In captivity, use Y-tong, plaster, or test tube nests with access to a humid outworld ^[1].
• Behavior: Minor workers are very small, major workers are larger, creating a dimorphic colony with distinct soldier castes. Based on genus behavior, they are likely active foragers. Escape prevention is critical due to small worker size, use fine mesh barriers. Temperament is typically non-aggressive toward keepers but majors will defend the colony if threatened.
• Common Issues: high humidity maintenance is critical, dry conditions will kill colonies., small minor workers require fine mesh for escape prevention., limited availability in the antkeeping hobby, rarely available for purchase., no established captive breeding lines means wild-caught colonies may struggle with captivity., temperature sensitivity, avoid warm conditions above 26°C.

Natural History and Distribution

Pheidole angulifera is native to Neotropical highlands in Costa Rica and Colombia. It was described from Costa Rica's southern Pacific highlands at around 1200m elevation ^[1][3]. Recent surveys document it in Colombia's Antioquia department at approximately 980m elevation ^[3][4]. The species inhabits wet montane forests, nesting in dead wood branches ^[1]. This highland distribution suggests adaptation to cooler, humid conditions.

Identification and Morphology

Pheidole angulifera is a member of the flavens group. Majors are identified by the 'shark fin' shape of the pronotal humerus in dorsal-oblique view, distinguishing them from related species like Pheidole schmalzi ^[2]. Minors have a less prominent humeral profile. Coloration is bicolorous: majors are yellowish brown with a darker head, minors have light brown heads with dark yellow markings ^[1].

Housing and Nesting

In nature, colonies nest in dead wood branches in humid environments. For captivity, use nests that provide moist, enclosed spaces like Y-tong, plaster, or test tube setups with access to a humid outworld ^[1]. Ensure tight seals and fine mesh barriers to prevent escapes due to small worker size.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Based on highland habitat, aim for moderate temperatures around 20-24°C and avoid above 26°C ^[1]. Maintain high humidity by keeping nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with a water source in the outworld ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

While specific diet data is lacking, Pheidole species typically accept varied foods including small insects for protein, sugar sources like honey water, and possibly seeds. Feed every 2-3 days, removing uneaten prey to prevent mold.

Colony Development

No specific development data exists for Pheidole angulifera. Based on typical Pheidole patterns, expect 4-8 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature. Colonies are dimorphic, producing minor and major workers. Founding behavior is unconfirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References