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

Pheidole laticrista

Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole laticrista
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Santschi, 1916
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole laticrista is a small ant species native to Argentina, specifically recorded in Entre Ríos province . Major workers have distinctive horn-like frontal lobes and an enlarged pronotum, while minors are nearly identical to other Pheidole species . Body size data is unavailable, as only head measurements are provided in the literature. This species belongs to the Generalized Myrmicinae functional group . Almost nothing is known about its biology in the wild or in captivity - it has only been collected as type specimens, leaving significant gaps in understanding.

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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: Hard
  • Origin & Habitat: Argentina (Entre Ríos province) [1]. Specific microhabitat preferences are unrecorded.
  • Colony Type: Unconfirmed. No data on queen number or social structure.
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable [2].
    • Worker: Size data unavailable [2].
    • Colony: Unknown for this species.
    • Growth: Unknown.
    • Development: Unconfirmed. No data on development timeline. (No direct development data exists for this species.)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Unknown. Based on Argentine distribution, aim for roughly 20-26°C with a gradient [1].
    • Humidity: Unknown. Based on humid climate of Entre Ríos, provide moderate humidity [1].
    • Diapause: Unknown. Based on geographic range, winter diapause may be required [1].
    • Nesting: Unknown. Based on genus preferences, likely soil or under stones [2].
  • Behavior: Unstudied. Based on genus patterns, expect moderate aggression and standard escape prevention.
  • Common Issues: unknown temperature requirements may stress the colony., unknown humidity needs may cause dehydration or mold., no diapause data may lead to colony decline if hibernation is needed., lack of captive observations makes care challenging.

What We Know (And Don't Know)

Pheidole laticrista is only known from type specimens in Argentina [2]. It was recorded in Entre Ríos province [1]. No biology is documented, so all care advice is speculative [2].

Housing and Setup

No specific housing data exists for this species. Based on general antkeeping practices, a test tube setup can be used for founding, and a Y-tong or soil nest for larger colonies. Since nothing is known, observe your colony and adjust conditions as needed.

Feeding

No feeding observations exist for this species. Diet is unknown, so start with standard ant foods like insects and sugar water, and monitor colony response.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Temperature requirements are unknown. Based on the species' distribution in Entre Ríos, aim for roughly 20-26°C with a gradient [1]. Diapause needs are unconfirmed, but a cool period may be beneficial based on geographic range.

Colony Development

No data on colony development exists. Growth rate and timeline are unknown, so patience is required when keeping this species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is Pheidole laticrista to keep?

Hard, due to complete lack of captive data. All care is based on inference from related species.

What do Pheidole laticrista eat?

Unknown. Offer standard ant foods and observe colony acceptance.

How long until first workers?

Unconfirmed. No data exists on development timeline.

Do Pheidole laticrista need hibernation?

Unknown. Based on Argentine origin, winter diapause may be required [1].

Can I keep multiple queens together?

Not documented. No data on social structure.

What size colony does Pheidole laticrista reach?

Unknown for this species.

What temperature should I keep them at?

Unknown. Based on distribution, aim for 20-26°C [1].

When should I move them to a formicarium?

No data. Use general practices: move when colony has 20-30 workers and brood.

Are Pheidole laticrista good for beginners?

Not recommended due to lack of captive data.

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References

Creative Commons License

This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .