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

Pheidole spininodis

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole spininodis
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Mayr, 1887
Distribution
Found in 4 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole spininodis is a South American ant in the tristis group. Minor workers are 3.0-3.5 mm long , with plain brown bodies. Major workers have reddish-yellow coloration and a spiny postpetiolar node . This species is widespread in northern and central Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay . In the wild, they nest in dry scrub habitats, building nests in soil with circular entrances surrounded by earth banks, galleries descending to about 30 cm .

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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: Easy
  • Origin & Habitat: Native to the Neotropical region, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Found in dry scrub habitats, nesting in soil of varying grain and hardness, sometimes beneath dried cow dung [3].
  • Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, but based on Pheidole patterns, likely monogyne with a single queen.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Estimated ~6-8 mm based on Pheidole genus patterns
    • Worker: Minor workers: 3.0-3.5 mm [1], major workers: size data unavailable
    • Colony: Size data unavailable
    • Growth: Moderate
    • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures, based on genus patterns [3] (Development time inferred from typical Pheidole genus behavior)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C, based on their temperate to subtropical range [3]
    • Humidity: Keep substrate lightly moist but allow drying between waterings, as they nest in dry scrub areas [3]
    • Diapause: No, based on subtropical range [3]
    • Nesting: Soil-nesting species, provide deep substrate (at least 10-15 cm) for digging [3]
  • Behavior: Generalist foragers with a varied diet, including seed dispersal through cooperative transport [1]. Not aggressive, but majors defend the colony. Minor workers are small (3 mm), so escape prevention is important [1][4][5].
  • Common Issues: colonies may decline if kept too damp, they prefer drier soil conditions [3], escape risk for minor workers due to small size [1], founding phase may be slow due to lack of specific data [3]

Nest Preferences and Housing

Pheidole spininodis is a soil-nesting species that builds nests with galleries descending to about 30 cm in the wild [3]. In captivity, provide a naturalistic setup with compact soil or sandy mixtures, or use Y-tong/plaster nests. Ensure at least 10-15 cm of substrate depth to allow digging [3].

Feeding and Diet

This species is a generalist forager. Studies show preference for protein baits like sardine or honey-sugar-earthworm bait, and they accept sugar sources [4]. They are also seed dispersers, cooperating to transport seeds [1]. In captivity, offer varied diet including small insects and sugar water [4][1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep temperatures at 22-26°C for optimal activity, based on their temperate to subtropical range [3]. They do not require diapause, but may reduce activity in cooler months [3].

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Pheidole spininodis is assigned to the Generalized Myrmicinae functional group, meaning generalist foragers [5]. They forage individually and in groups, and will defend the colony if threatened [4][1]. Colonies are adaptable to human-modified environments [4].

Growth and Development

Colony growth is moderate. Development from egg to worker is estimated at 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures, based on genus patterns [3]. Founding behavior is unconfirmed, so queens may take time to produce first workers [3].

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Estimated 6-8 weeks from egg to first worker at optimal temperature (22-26°C), based on typical Pheidole genus development patterns [3].

What do Pheidole spininodis ants eat?

They accept both protein and sugar. Offer small insects as protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available [4][1].

Can I keep Pheidole spininodis in a test tube?

Test tubes work for founding, but long-term they prefer digging in soil or Y-tong nests [3].

Do Pheidole spininodis ants need hibernation?

No, they are from subtropical regions and do not require diapause [3].

Are Pheidole spininodis good for beginners?

Yes, they are considered easy to keep due to adaptability and varied diet [3].

How big do Pheidole spininodis colonies get?

Size data unavailable from scientific literature [3].

What temperature is best for Pheidole spininodis?

Keep them at 22-26°C, based on their natural range [3].

When should I move my colony to a formicarium?

Move them once the colony is crowded in the test tube, typically after workers emerge [3].

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Colony structure is unconfirmed, but based on Pheidole patterns, likely monogyne [3].

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .