Pheidole micon

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Magdalena region of Colombia at 1300m elevation, also found in Venezuela and French Guiana. In nature, they nest in rotting logs within coffee plantations ^[2][1].
• Colony Type: Based on typical Pheidole patterns, likely monogyne (single queen) colonies with major and minor worker castes.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements exist.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements exist.
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available.
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks based on typical Pheidole development at warm temperatures (No direct data, estimate based on genus-level patterns)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Likely 22-28°C based on mid-elevation Neotropical habitat
  • Humidity: High humidity likely required, rotting log habitat suggests damp conditions. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements.
  • Nesting: Based on type specimen collection from rotting log, they likely prefer humid, wood-based nest materials. Y-tong or plaster nests with good moisture retention would be reasonable
• Behavior: Behavior is unstudied. Based on subfamily Myrmicinae, they possess a functional stinger for defense, but stinging behavior is not documented for this species. Escape risk is moderate due to small worker size, fine mesh barriers are recommended.
• Common Issues: escape risk due to small worker size, no established care protocols, requiring keeper experimentation, rare availability makes acquisition difficult

Discovery and Distribution

Pheidole micon was described by E.O. Wilson in 2003 from specimens collected in San Pedro de la Sierra, Magdalena, Colombia at approximately 1300 meters elevation ^[3]. The type specimens came from a rotting log in a coffee plantation ^[2][1]. Since then, the species has been recorded in Venezuela and French Guiana ^[1].

Identification and Coloration

This species is part of the flavens group within Pheidole and is immediately recognizable by its bicolored appearance. Major workers have a dark brown body with contrasting dark yellow appendages. Minor workers have a medium brown head and mesosoma, with the postpetiole and gaster yellow to brownish-yellow ^[1].

Housing and Nesting

Since this species has never been kept in captivity, housing needs must be inferred from its natural history. The type specimens came from a rotting log in a coffee plantation, suggesting they prefer humid, enclosed spaces with access to decaying wood ^[2]. A Y-tong nest or plaster formicarium with good moisture retention would be a reasonable starting point. The nest should be kept consistently humid but not wet. Given the small size of minor workers, excellent escape prevention with fine mesh is essential.

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary data exists for this species. Based on general Pheidole biology, they may accept small live prey and carbohydrates ^[3]. Offer a mix of small live prey and carbohydrate sources, adjusting based on what the colony accepts.

Temperature and Humidity

The type locality at 1300m elevation in Magdalena, Colombia suggests a warm but not hot tropical environment ^[2]. Aim for temperatures in the 22-28°C range with some variation allowed. Humidity should be high, as the rotting log collection site indicates damp conditions ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References