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

Pheidole rochai

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole rochai
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Forel, 1912
Distribution
Found in 5 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole rochai is a small yellow ant from the diligens group, native to Brazil and French Guiana. Workers have two castes: majors and minors, but body size data is unavailable . The body is mostly smooth and shiny with sculpturing on the head and abundant erect hairs. This species belongs to the tribe Attini, which includes seed-harvesting ants. Little is known about their biology, but they are recorded in seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil .

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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: Hard
  • Origin & Habitat: Neotropical region, Brazil (Ceará, Bahia) and French Guiana, found in seasonally dry tropical forest [2].
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been documented in scientific literature
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: size data unavailable
    • Worker: size data unavailable
    • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data available
    • Growth: Unknown, no development data available
    • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks based on typical Pheidole genus patterns [1] (This is a genus-level estimate, as no species-specific data exists.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Based on tropical distribution, likely 24-28°C [1]
    • Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient based on seasonally dry forest habitat, keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged [2][1]
    • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements
    • Nesting: Based on genus patterns, likely prefer enclosed nests with moist substrate [1]
  • Behavior: Based on Pheidole genus patterns, majors may defend with stings, minors handle foraging and brood care. Escape risk is moderate due to small worker size, use standard barrier precautions [1].
  • Common Issues: no biological data exists, care recommendations are based on genus-level patterns rather than species-specific research [1], colony may fail if conditions don't match unknown natural requirements, slow growth typical of Pheidole can frustrate beginners [1], wild-caught colonies may have parasites or diseases not yet documented for this species

Species Identification and Appearance

Pheidole rochai is a small yellow ant with majors having a moderately prominent mesonotal convexity and short propodeal spines. The body is mostly smooth and shiny, with sculpturing on the head limited to eye level and anterior, composed of longitudinal carinulae. Both castes are concolorous yellow [1].

Distribution and Habitat

This species is known from Ceará and Bahia in Brazil, and French Guiana. It is recorded in seasonally dry tropical forest, specifically in Boa Vista do Tupim, Bahia [2]. Unconfirmed reports from Paraguay exist but are not verified [1].

Nest Preferences and Housing

Based on genus patterns, these ants likely prefer enclosed nests with moist substrate. Start with a test tube setup for founding colonies. Once established, use Y-tong or plaster nests with humidity control [1].

Feeding and Diet

As members of the Attini tribe, they likely eat seeds, small insects, and honeydew. Offer a mix of seeds, insects, and sugar water, but remove uneaten food promptly [1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep temperatures around 24-28°C based on tropical distribution. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 20°C. Provide a temperature gradient using a heating cable [1].

Colony Development and Growth

No specific development timeline exists. Based on typical Pheidole patterns, first workers may emerge in 6-10 weeks under optimal conditions. Growth is slow, with colonies stabilizing after several months [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Unconfirmed for this species. Based on typical Pheidole genus patterns, estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature [1].

What do Pheidole rochai ants eat?

Likely seeds, small insects, and honeydew, based on Attini tribe habits [1].

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Not recommended, as colony structure is unconfirmed and Pheidole species often show aggression when queens are combined [1].

What temperature should I keep Pheidole rochai at?

Aim for 24-28°C based on tropical distribution, with a slight gradient [1].

How big do Pheidole rochai colonies get?

Colony size is unknown, but most Pheidole colonies reach several hundred workers over time [1].

Do they need hibernation or diapause?

Unknown, no data exists, but tropical distribution suggests no strong diapause [1].

Are Pheidole rochai good for beginners?

Difficulty is hard due to lack of species-specific data, experience with Pheidole genus may help [1].

When should I move them to a formicarium?

Keep in test tubes until 30-50 workers, then transfer to a Y-tong or plaster nest with moist substrate [1].

Why is there so little information about this species?

Pheidole rochai is poorly documented, with no focused biological studies, care is based on genus-level patterns [1].

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References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .