Pheidole sabahna

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Borneo endemic, lowland dipterocarp and hill forests of Sabah and Brunei ^[1][2]
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no specific data on queen number
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, not documented in available research
  • Worker: Majors: up to 5.9 mm TL, Minors: up to 3.7 mm TL ^[2]
  • Colony: Unknown, no data on maximum colony size
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no species-specific data (Development timing is unstudied for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, inferred from tropical habitat ^[1]
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, similar to forest floor conditions ^[2]
  • Diapause: No, tropical species from equatorial Borneo ^[1]
  • Nesting: Soil nests in nature, use secure enclosed nests with fine substrate in captivity ^[2]
• Behavior: Minors are small (3.5 mm TL) and can escape easily. They are generalist foragers and not aggressive toward humans. Defense involves majors using large mandibles ^[2].
• Common Issues: minors are only 3.5 mm TL and can escape through tiny gaps in lids or mesh., tropical species require consistent warmth, temperatures below 20°C can kill the colony., high humidity needs increase mold risk without adequate ventilation., wild-caught colonies from logging areas may carry parasitic mites.

Natural History and Distribution

Pheidole sabahna is found only on Borneo, specifically in Sabah and Brunei ^[1][2]. They inhabit lowland and hill forests, particularly dipterocarp forests ^[1]. Specimens have been collected in pitfall traps and from soil nests at logging fronts ^[2][1]. One paratype was collected in Sabah in 1998 ^[4].

Nest Preferences

In nature, Pheidole sabahna nests in soil, especially in disturbed areas like logging fronts ^[2]. In captivity, provide a secure enclosed nest with fine substrate such as sand or loam mixed with coco fiber. Maintain high humidity with good drainage ^[2].

Feeding and Diet

Stable isotope analysis shows Pheidole sabahna is at a higher trophic level, indicating they are generalist predators and scavengers ^[3]. In captivity, feed small live prey like fruit flies or springtails, and offer sugar water or honey.

Temperature and Care

As a tropical species from equatorial Borneo, Pheidole sabahna requires warm stable temperatures ^[1]. Keep the nest area at 24-28°C with minimal fluctuation. Use a heating cable on one side to create a gradient. They do not require hibernation.

Behavior and Temperament

Pheidole sabahna has dimorphic workers: majors for defense and minors for foraging ^[2]. Minors are 3.5 mm TL, so escape prevention is critical. They are not aggressive toward humans, and their stinger is too small to penetrate skin ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References