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

Pheidole mera

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole mera
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Wilson, 2003
Distribution
Found in 3 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole mera is a dimorphic ant species with major and minor workers, reported from Guatemala and the southern United States . Size data is not available from current research. The species is known for its distinct worker castes, but specific behaviors and care requirements are not detailed in the available literature.

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

Native Invasive Introduced (indoor) Intercepted Unknown
2000 - 2026

Quick Summary

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: Guatemala and southern United States, in tropical and subtropical environments [1].
  • Colony Type: Based on Pheidole genus patterns, likely monogyne (single queen colonies), but unconfirmed for this species.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable.
    • Worker: Dimorphic with major and minor workers, but specific sizes unknown [1].
    • Colony: Colony size data unavailable.
    • Growth: Unknown.
    • Development: Unknown, no data available. (Development time is not specified in the research.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical origin, but specific requirements unknown.
    • Humidity: Keep moderately moist, but specific humidity levels unknown.
    • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation, inferred from geographic range.
    • Nesting: Typical ant nesting setups such as test tubes for founding, and Y-tong or plaster nests for established colonies, inferred from genus patterns.
  • Behavior: Temperament unknown, but based on Pheidole patterns, likely peaceful. Defense mechanism is stinging, as typical for Myrmicinae, but no specific data on aggression for this species. Escape risk moderate due to size, but specific data unavailable.
  • Common Issues: limited data available, monitor temperature and humidity closely., colonies may stall if conditions are not optimal., overfeeding can lead to mold in nest setups.

Worker Caste and Dimorphism

Pheidole mera has major and minor workers, as reported in the literature [1]. Specific roles and sizes are not detailed in the available research.

Geographic Distribution

This species is reported from Guatemala and the southern United States [1].

Care Recommendations

Due to limited research, specific care requirements are unknown. Based on typical Pheidole care, keep warm and moist, but no citations available for detailed guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Pheidole mera to raise first workers?

Unknown, no data available from research.

When do major workers appear in Pheidole mera?

Unknown, no data on when majors appear.

Can I keep multiple Pheidole mera queens together?

Based on genus patterns, likely not recommended, but no species-specific data.

What do I feed Pheidole mera?

Unknown, no dietary data available from research.

Do Pheidole mera need hibernation?

No, tropical species do not require diapause, inferred from geographic range.

Are Pheidole mera good for beginners?

Difficulty is medium due to limited data, so caution is advised.

How big do Pheidole mera colonies get?

Colony size data unavailable.

When should I move Pheidole mera to a formicarium?

Unknown, no data on colony growth stages.

Why are my Pheidole mera not growing?

Check temperature and humidity, as specific requirements are unknown.

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References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .