Pheidole susannae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Neotropical region from southern Mexico to southern Brazil, including Caribbean islands. Found in diverse habitats from city parks to mature rainforest, both on the ground and in the canopy ^[1][2][5].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed, but based on Pheidole genus patterns, likely monogyne (single-queen).
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Estimated ~7-9 mm based on Pheidole genus patterns.
  • Worker: Minor workers: ~1.67 mm body length ^[4], Major workers: size data unavailable.
  • Colony: Colony size is unknown, no specific data available from context.
  • Growth: Moderate to fast, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns.
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns. (Development time may vary with temperature.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, as inferred from tropical species.
  • Humidity: Provide a humidity gradient, keep substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, as this species occurs in varied moisture conditions ^[1].
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation.
  • Nesting: Use test tubes for founding, then transfer to formicariums with small cavities. They nest opportunistically in small spaces ^[5][6].
• Behavior: Active foragers with excellent recruitment. Workers are generalist omnivores and show activity during both day and night ^[6][4]. Minor workers are small, so escape prevention is important.
• Common Issues: minor workers are small and can escape through gaps, ensure proper barriers., aggressive toward other ant species, keep colonies separate., colony growth requires increasing food portions, monitor to prevent spoilage.

Housing and Nest Setup

Pheidole susannae is adaptable and will accept various nest types. A Y-tong or plaster formicarium works well, providing chambers sized appropriately for their colony size. They naturally nest in small cavities such as downed sticks, wall crevices, dead wood in trees, and soil at tree bases ^[5]. For founding colonies, a standard test tube setup with a water reservoir is suitable. As the colony grows, transfer to a formicarium with multiple chambers. Ensure the nest has some darkness for brood chambers ^[5][6].

Feeding and Diet

As generalist omnivores, Pheidole susannae accepts a wide variety of foods. Offer protein sources like mealworms or crickets 2-3 times per week and a constant sugar source such as honey water ^[1][4]. Workers are excellent recruiters and will quickly mobilize to food sources, with both majors and minors participating ^[1][4]. Remove uneaten protein within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep your colony at warm temperatures, roughly 24-28°C, as inferred from tropical species. Avoid temperatures below 20°C for extended periods. For humidity, provide a gradient with slightly moist substrate but never waterlogged, as this species occurs in varied moisture conditions ^[1]. A water tube in the outworld helps maintain humidity.

Colony Development

Pheidole susannae colonies grow moderately fast. From egg to first worker takes approximately 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns. Nanitics are smaller than mature workers but are replaced as the colony expands. Colonies can reach substantial sizes over time, though specific numbers are unknown ^[6].

Behavior and Foraging

This species is highly active and shows excellent recruitment behavior. Workers readily respond to baits, and both minor and major workers participate in food retrieval ^[1][5]. They are aggressive toward other ant species and can dominate food resources. In the wild, they forage during both day and night ^[6]. Minor workers are small (around 1.67 mm), so ensure your setup has no gaps that would allow escapes ^[4].

Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, Pheidole susannae does not require hibernation or diapause. They remain active year-round in captivity if kept warm. In their natural range, they are found in both rainy and dry seasons and show no significant seasonal slowdown ^[6]. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report an Issue

The current care sheet is based fully on literature. See inconsistencies, or something that's incorrect? Please report here, it will be resolved after review from an admin. Contributing to the blogs tab also helps providing information, to make us be able to further improve the caresheets. Thank you for your support!

References