Scientific illustration of Pheidole haskinsorum ant - showing key identification features including head, thorax, and gaster.

Pheidole haskinsorum

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole haskinsorum
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Wilson, 2003
Distribution
Found in 2 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole haskinsorum is a small Neotropical ant from the fallax group, described in 2003 from Bolivia and Ecuador . It is rare in its native range and shows flood tolerance, allowing survival in both dry and flooded habitats . Workers forage on the ground and retrieve insects .

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Status by country, from Kass et al. 2022 & Wong et al. 2023

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
Data Sources
Year Range 2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Native to Bolivia and Ecuador in lowland Amazonian areas, including burned-over pastures and Yasuni National Park [2][1].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on Pheidole genus patterns, likely monogyne (single queen).
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided.
    • Worker: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided.
    • Colony: Unknown, no data on colony size from research.
    • Growth: Unknown
    • Development: Unconfirmed, based on related Pheidole species, may take 6-10 weeks at optimal temperatures. (Development time is unstudied for this species.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on Neotropical range.
    • Humidity: Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with a humidity gradient [2].
    • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation.
    • Nesting: Use Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests with moist substrate, based on mixed nesting behavior [2].
  • Behavior: Workers are ground-foraging generalists that collect protein from insects [2][1]. They are docile and not aggressive toward humans. Escape risk is moderate due to small size.
  • Common Issues: this species is rare and may be difficult to obtain in the antkeeping trade., colony size data is unknown, so growth may be unpredictable., specific care requirements are unconfirmed, so monitoring is essential., major workers may not develop immediately, as is common in Pheidole species.

Nest Preferences

Pheidole haskinsorum shows mixed nesting behavior in the wild, meaning they can adapt to various nest sites [2]. In captivity, use Y-tong nests with moist substrate, plaster nests, or soil-based setups. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with some drier areas available for the ants to regulate humidity.

Feeding and Diet

Workers were observed retrieving insects in the wild, confirming they are generalist foragers [1]. In captivity, offer small insects like fruit flies, seeds appropriate to their size, and sugar sources like honey or sugar water. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold.

Temperature and Care

Being a Neotropical species, keep temperatures around 24-28°C with a gradient allowing workers to self-regulate. Their flood tolerance suggests they can handle moisture spikes, but avoid constant wetness. Room temperature within this range is acceptable. [2]

Behavior and Temperament

Workers are active foragers on the ground surface [2][1]. They are docile and not aggressive toward humans. Escape prevention should be standard due to their small size, using fine mesh on any openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Pheidole haskinsorum to produce first workers?

The exact development timeline is unconfirmed. Based on related Pheidole species, expect first workers in 6-10 weeks at optimal temperatures around 26°C.

Can I keep multiple Pheidole haskinsorum queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed. Most Pheidole are monogyne, so it is safest to keep only one queen per colony unless confirmed otherwise.

What do Pheidole haskinsorum ants eat?

They are generalist foragers. Offer small insects, seeds, and sugar sources like honey or sugar water. Remove uneaten food promptly.

What temperature should I keep Pheidole haskinsorum at?

Keep nest temperatures at 24-28°C with a gradient. Room temperature within this range works well, or use a heating cable on one side of the nest.

Is Pheidole haskinsorum good for beginners?

This species is rarely available due to its rarity in the wild. If available, it may suit intermediate keepers comfortable with Neotropical species, as care requirements are unconfirmed.

How big do Pheidole haskinsorum colonies get?

Colony size is unknown from research. No data on maximum size is available.

Do Pheidole haskinsorum need hibernation?

No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation. A slight temperature reduction in winter may be appropriate but avoid cold temperatures.

What humidity level do Pheidole haskinsorum need?

Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, with a humidity gradient [2].

When should I move Pheidole haskinsorum to a formicarium?

Move them when the colony reaches several dozen workers and the founding test tube becomes crowded. Ensure the formicarium has appropriately sized chambers.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .