Pheidole androsana

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Bahamas (Andros Island) and Cuba ^[1][2][3]. Tropical island environments.
• Colony Type: Unknown, likely single-queen based on typical Pheidole patterns.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no measurements known for queens.
  • Worker: Majors ~5.25 mm, minors ~2.5 mm ^[1].
  • Colony: Unknown, likely moderate to large based on genus patterns.
  • Growth: Unknown, likely moderate for tropical species.
  • Development: Unknown, estimated 6-10 weeks at 25-28°C based on related tropical Pheidole. (Timing is inferred from similar species and may vary.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Warm and stable, around 24-28°C, based on tropical island origin ^[2].
  • Humidity: Moderate to high, nest substrate should feel damp but not waterlogged. Provide a moisture gradient.
  • Diapause: Likely not required, tropical species from Bahamas and Cuba ^[2].
  • Nesting: Natural nesting habits are unconfirmed. Likely soil or rotting wood based on Pheidole genus patterns.
• Behavior: Unknown specifically. Pheidole androsana has a functional stinger (typical for Attini) but it is mild. Majors have strong mandibles for defense. Escape risk is moderate due to small minor workers.
• Common Issues: founding behavior is unconfirmed, you may need to experiment with claustral versus semi-claustral setups., tropical origin means they likely die if kept below 20°C for extended periods., dimorphic workers need different food sizes, majors cannot eat tiny prey and minors cannot handle large seeds.

Morphology and Castes

Pheidole androsana shows strong worker dimorphism. Major workers (soldiers) are about 5.25 mm long with a reddish-yellow body and a large, heavily sculptured head ^[1]. The head has deep occipital notches (indentations at the back), a distinct frontal groove, and coarse longitudinal ridges that turn transverse near the back ^[1]. Their antennae are short and barely reach past the eyes ^[1]. Minor workers are about 2.5 mm long, yellowish-brown, with a slender head that lacks the heavy sculpture of majors ^[1]. Minors have longer antennae that extend well beyond the head, and their bodies are smooth and shiny ^[1]. The petiole and postpetiole of minors are smooth, while majors have rougher sculpturing on these segments ^[1].

Distribution

This species is native to the Bahamas, specifically Andros Island, where type specimens were collected at Fish Hawk Key ^[1]. It has also been recorded in Cuba, with specimens from Santiago de Cuba province ^[2][3]. These are all tropical island locations, suggesting they prefer warm, stable conditions year-round.

Housing and Nest Setup

Since natural nesting habits are unconfirmed, base your setup on general Pheidole care. A standard test tube setup works well for founding if the queen is claustral, but this is not confirmed. For established colonies, provide a nest with both moist and dry areas, Y-tong blocks, plaster nests, or soil nests work well. Include a small outworld for foraging. Ensure excellent escape prevention, as the 2.5 mm minor workers can squeeze through tiny gaps.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep them warm and stable, around 24-28°C, matching their tropical island origin ^[2]. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a gentle gradient, but place it on top rather than underneath to avoid flooding the nest with condensation. Maintain moderate to high humidity, the nest substrate should feel damp but not waterlogged. Provide a moisture gradient so the ants can choose their preferred area. You likely do not need to hibernate this species given its tropical origins ^[2].

Feeding

Specific diet preferences are unknown, but Pheidole are generally omnivorous. Offer a mix of small seeds (millet, chia), sugars (honey water or sugar water), and small live prey like springtails, fruit flies, or pinhead crickets. The majors can handle larger seeds and tougher prey with their strong mandibles, while minors need smaller food items. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold in the humid conditions they prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References