Pheidole curupira

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to the grasslands of southern Brazil, specifically Paraná state, in the Campos Sulinos ecosystem with vast grasslands and shrublands ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, research does not specify queen number for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no total length measurements provided in the research ^[1].
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, measurements provided are for head width, not body length ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no data on development time for this species. (Development time is unconfirmed, related Pheidole species typically take 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep warm, around 22-26°C, based on typical Pheidole care patterns ^[2].
  • Humidity: Provide moderate humidity, allowing the nest substrate to partially dry between water additions, based on their grassland habitat ^[1].
  • Diapause: Likely not required, as southern Brazil has mild winters ^[1].
  • Nesting: Use small nests with narrow passages, such as Y-tong (AAC) or plaster, suited to their tiny size. Ground-nesting is suggested from pitfall trap collection ^[1].
• Behavior: Pheidole curupira is a peaceful, non-aggressive species. They possess a sting, as typical for Myrmicinae, but are not dangerous to keepers. Their tiny size makes them excellent escape artists, requiring fine mesh and tight barriers.
• Common Issues: escape prevention is critical due to their tiny size., slow founding phase with unconfirmed founding behavior., wild-caught colonies may have undetected parasites., overfeeding can lead to mold in small nest setups., major workers may not appear until the colony is large.

Nest Preferences

In the wild, Pheidole curupira nests in soil in grassland areas, as suggested by pitfall trap collection ^[1]. For captive care, use small nests with narrow chambers and tunnels scaled to their tiny size. Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well. A test tube setup can be used for founding colonies, but may need modification to create tighter spaces.

Feeding and Diet

Pheidole curupira is likely a granivore, typical for Pheidole genus, collecting seeds supplemented with small insects. Offer seeds like grass seeds or millet, and protein from fruit flies or small mealworms. Sugar water can be offered occasionally. Feed seeds constantly and protein 2-3 times per week. ^[2]

Temperature and Care

Keep your colony at warm temperatures around 22-26°C, with a gradient if possible. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest, but provide unheated areas for self-regulation. Room temperature in heated homes is often suitable.

Behavior and Temperament

This species is peaceful and non-aggressive. They are not known to sting frequently and pose no danger to keepers. Their small size requires careful escape prevention using fluon or tight-fitting barriers.

Colony Growth and Development

Pheidole curupira was described in 2020,so captive breeding data is limited. Based on genus patterns, expect slow growth. First workers may take several weeks to emerge, and major workers appear in larger colonies. Patience is essential during founding. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References