Pheidole chalca

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Central Mexico (Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla, Tlaxcala) in oak-pine woodland and pine forest at 1700-2900 m elevation. Nests under stones or in chambers about 15 cm below the surface in dense clay soil ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, based on Pheidole patterns, likely monogyne (single queen colony), but no specific literature confirms this for P. chalca.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, inferred from Pheidole genus (~7-9 mm)
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, minor workers are small, but body length not specified in literature
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated from typical Pheidole species
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature based on genus patterns (Development time is inferred from related Pheidole species. Montane origin may slow development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep cool, around 18-22°C, based on montane habitat at high elevations ^[2]. Avoid temperatures above 25°C.
  • Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient, nest substrate should be moist but not waterlogged, based on nesting in clay soil ^[1].
  • Diapause: Yes, likely requires winter diapause due to montane origin, for 2-3 months at 10-15°C ^[2].
  • Nesting: Use soil substrate or Y-tong nest with narrow chambers. Provide under-stone sites or flat surfaces in the outworld to simulate natural nesting ^[1].
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that search along trails. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest. Major workers help process larger prey. Use fine mesh barriers due to small size of minor workers.
• Common Issues: overheating can kill colonies, this species is adapted to cool montane conditions, minor workers may escape through standard mesh, use fine mesh or fluon barriers, colonies may establish slowly due to montane origin, patience required, skipping winter diapause may weaken colonies over time, wild colonies are rare in the hobby, may be difficult to acquire

Nest Preferences

In the wild, Pheidole chalca nests under stones or digs chambers about 15 cm below the surface in dense clay soil. They inhabit oak-pine woodland at lower elevations and pine forest at higher elevations. For captive colonies, use a naturalistic setup with soil substrate or a Y-tong nest with narrow chambers. Provide a moisture reservoir or regular misting to maintain moderate humidity. Include flat stones in the outworld to simulate natural under-stone sites ^[1][2].

Feeding and Diet

Pheidole chalca are generalist omnivores. Workers forage along trails and collect small insects, honeydew, and nectar. In captivity, offer protein sources like small crickets or fruit flies twice weekly, and sugar water or honey water constantly. Fresh water should always be available ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

This montane species requires cool conditions. Keep nest area at 18-22°C and avoid temperatures above 25°C. During winter, provide diapause at 10-15°C for 2-3 months. Do not feed during deep hibernation but ensure moisture is available. Gradually return to normal temperatures in spring ^[2].

Behavior and Colony Structure

Pheidole chalca has a polymorphic caste with major and minor workers. Major workers have large heads and serve as soldiers, minors handle foraging and nursing. Colonies are founded by a single queen, but founding behavior is unconfirmed. Workers forage in visible trails and are not overly aggressive but defend the nest ^[1].

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