Pheidole longispinosa

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Madagascar, in montane rainforest, shrubland, thicket, tropical dry forest, and urban areas at 80-1680 m elevation ^[1][2]. Nests in rotten logs, tree stumps, soil, and rock crevasses ^[1].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific research on colony structure for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size data unavailable
  • Worker: size data unavailable
  • Colony: Up to 1010 workers ^[3]
  • Growth: Moderate, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns (Development time may vary with temperature and feeding.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C. This species is from rainforest habitat, so avoid temperatures below 18°C.
  • Humidity: Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, mimicking rotting log habitat ^[1][2].
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, diapause is not required.
  • Nesting: Y-tong nests with soil or wood chambers, or naturalistic setups with damp material ^[2].
• Behavior: Aggressive and dominant. Workers attack intruders, including larger ants. Majors participate in combat and prey retrieval. Rescue behavior observed ^[2].
• Common Issues: tropical species may struggle in cool rooms, monitor temperature closely., aggressive toward other ant colonies, keep well separated., requires high humidity, dry conditions will cause decline., large colony size potential means expanding housing needed., wild-caught colonies may carry parasites, quarantine initially.

Housing and Nest Setup

Use Y-tong nests with soil or wood chambers, or naturalistic setups that mimic rotting log habitat. Provide moist, organic material for tunneling. A test tube setup works for founding colonies, but move to larger housing as the colony grows. Majors need adequate chamber space. Maintain humidity with a water tube or moisture reservoir ^[2].

Feeding and Diet

This species is predatory and needs protein-rich foods like mealworms, small crickets, and fruit flies. Offer sugar sources like honey or sugar water. Feed protein 2-3 times per week with sugar constantly available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold ^[2].

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain temperatures between 22-26°C. Use a heating cable for a gentle gradient if room is cool. Humidity is critical, keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged ^[1][2].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Workers are highly territorial and attack intruders. Majors join combat and dismember large prey. Rescue behavior is observed, trapped workers alert nestmates via vibrations, and rescuers cut them free ^[2]. Conferring behavior occurs when deciding to attack difficult prey ^[2].

Growth and Development

Colony growth is moderate. First workers (nanitics) emerge in about 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns. Colonies can reach up to 1010 workers in the wild ^[3]. Transition to formicarium when colony has 30-50 workers or space runs out.

Seasonal Care and Overwintering

As a tropical species, no diapause is required. Monitor activity in cooler months and maintain stable temperatures year-round.

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