Pheidole havilandi

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Southern Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and Mentawai Islands in well-developed tropical forests from lowlands to hills up to 1000m altitude ^[1].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne based on Pheidole genus patterns, but unconfirmed for this species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no measurements found in literature.
  • Worker: Minors 2.5-2.9 mm, majors 3.5-4.7 mm ^[1].
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers, estimated from related species.
  • Growth: Moderate, typical for tropical Pheidole.
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at tropical temperatures ^[1]. (Development time inferred from related tropical Pheidole species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. These are tropical ants requiring warm, stable conditions ^[1].
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a humidity gradient ^[1].
  • Diapause: No, tropical species do not require hibernation ^[1].
  • Nesting: Use Y-tong (AAC), plaster, or naturalistic nests with rotting wood and soil. Prefer dark, humid spaces ^[1].
• Behavior: Active foragers, majors defend the nest and help process prey, while minors handle most foraging and brood care. Not aggressive toward keepers but will bite if threatened. Minor workers are small, so escape risk is high, use fine mesh barriers ^[1].
• Common Issues: tropical humidity requirements mean colonies can suffer in dry rooms, monitor moisture levels closely., small minor workers can escape through standard test tube cotton, use fine mesh barriers., predatory diet requires regular protein input, sugar alone will not sustain the colony., slow founding phase typical of Pheidole, new keepers may lose patience during claustral period., wild-caught colonies may contain associated bugs which are harmless but may startle keepers.

Housing and Nest Setup

You can use Y-tong (AAC) nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with rotting wood and damp soil. These ants prefer dark, humid enclosed spaces. An outworld for foraging is essential. For founding colonies, use a test tube setup, then move to a proper nest once the colony reaches 20-30 workers. Escape prevention is critical because minor workers are small, apply Fluon or use tight-fitting lids with fine mesh ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Based on stable isotope studies, P. havilandi is predatory and feeds at a higher trophic level ^[2]. Offer small live prey like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and small mealworms. They also accept protein sources like crushed boiled egg or chicken. Sugar sources like honey water can be offered occasionally, but protein should be the main diet. Feed every 2-3 days, removing uneaten prey after 24 hours ^[2].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep the nest area at 24-28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gentle temperature gradient. These ants do not require hibernation, maintain consistent warmth year-round ^[1].

Colony Development and Growth

Pheidole colonies grow moderately once the first workers emerge. A claustral queen raises the first brood alone, do not disturb founding colonies. After nanitics emerge, the colony begins growing. Major workers appear once the colony is established enough to support them ^[1].

Behavior and Observation

Minor workers handle most tasks: foraging, brood care, and tending the queen. Major workers have large heads for crushing prey and typically stay near the nest. The ants are not aggressive but will defend their nest. In the wild, they nest under bark and in soil shelters, often hosting symbiotic bugs ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References