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

Pheidole kohli

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole kohli
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Mayr, 1901
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
AI Identifiable
try →

Introduction

Pheidole kohli is a small ant species native to the Afrotropical region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Africa . Like all Pheidole species, they have distinct major and minor workers, with majors having enlarged heads for defense and seed processing. Size data is unavailable from research, but inferred from Pheidole genus to be small. This species faces predation from amphibians in Congo and has a taxonomic history with a name change .

Loading distribution map...

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: Afrotropical region: Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa [1][2]. Specific habitat details are unconfirmed, but Pheidole species often inhabit forest edges and grasslands.
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Most Pheidole species are monogyne (single queen), but some can be polygyne. No specific data for Pheidole kohli.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Inferred from Pheidole genus ~6-8 mm
    • Worker: Inferred from Pheidole genus ~2-4 mm
    • Colony: Unknown, typical Pheidole colonies reach up to several thousand workers
    • Growth: Estimated moderate based on genus patterns
    • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures based on genus patterns (Development timeline is not directly studied for this species, estimates based on genus-level data)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Maintain between 22-26°C, based on typical tropical temperatures for the region [1].
    • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as Pheidole species prefer moderate humidity [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown, observe colony behavior for seasonal changes.
    • Nesting: Natural nesting unconfirmed, but Pheidole species typically nest in soil or rotting wood. Use test tube for founding, then Y-tong or plaster nests for larger colonies.
  • Behavior: Pheidole species are generally non-aggressive but will defend their nest. Majors serve as defenders. Defense mechanism includes sting, as typical for Myrmicinae. Escape risk is moderate due to small size of minors.
  • Common Issues: limited species-specific data means care is based on genus patterns rather than direct observation, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites, as amphibians prey on them [3], small initial colony size requires patience for growth, incorrect hibernation conditions could stress colonies from southern Africa

Appearance and Identification

Pheidole kohli has the characteristic Pheidole dimorphism with major and minor workers. Minor workers are small, with a study on head shape mechanics measuring a mesh area of 0.951 mm² [4]. The species was described in 1901 and later renamed due to a naming conflict [1].

Natural History and Distribution

This species is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Africa [1][2]. Predation by amphibians has been documented in Congo [3].

Feeding and Diet

Feeding habits for this specific species are unconfirmed. However, Pheidole species are typically granivorous with protein scavenging. Offer small seeds, insects like fruit flies, and sugar water. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature requirements exist in the scientific literature. Maintain temperatures between 22-26°C based on typical tropical conditions for the region [1].

Colony Establishment and Growth

Colony founding behavior is unconfirmed, but Pheidole species typically exhibit claustral founding. Expect 6-8 weeks from egg to first workers based on genus patterns, though this is not directly studied for Pheidole kohli.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The exact timeline is unconfirmed. Based on typical Pheidole development, expect 6-8 weeks from egg to first workers at warm temperatures (around 24-26°C).

What do Pheidole kohli ants eat?

Diet is unconfirmed for this specific species, but Pheidole are typically granivorous with protein scavenging. Offer small seeds, tiny insects, and sugar water.

Are Pheidole kohli ants aggressive?

Pheidole species are generally not aggressive toward humans but will defend their nest. The majors can deliver a bite if threatened.

Do Pheidole kohli queens need hibernation?

Hibernation requirements are unknown. Given the wide range, different populations may have different seasonal needs. Observe colony behavior and provide a cool period if activity decreases.

How big do Pheidole kohli colonies get?

Maximum colony size is unconfirmed. Most Pheidole species reach up to several thousand workers.

Can I keep multiple Pheidole kohli queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed. Most Pheidole are monogyne, but some can be polygyne. Do not combine unrelated foundress queens.

What size nest do Pheidole kohli need?

Start with a standard test tube setup for the founding queen. Once the colony reaches 50+ workers, move to a Y-tong, plaster nest, or naturalistic setup.

Is Pheidole kohli a good species for beginners?

Difficulty level is unknown due to limited data. Based on typical Pheidole care, they are likely manageable for intermediate keepers.

Where is Pheidole kohli found in the wild?

This species is native to the Afrotropical region, specifically documented from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Africa [1].

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please , 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

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .