Pheidole lemur

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Hard
• Origin & Habitat: Neotropical Brazil, Belém, Pará region ^[1]. Dubious record from Argentina ^[2]. Recorded in Santa Fe province ^[3].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, no colony structure data exists. Most Pheidole species are monogyne (single queen), but this has not been confirmed for P. lemur.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable, no body size measurements documented.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, no body size measurements available.
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists.
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists. Based on typical Pheidole patterns, egg to worker may take 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures. (Inferred from genus patterns, no species-specific data.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown, no data. As a tropical species from Brazil, keep warm, roughly 24-28°C.
  • Humidity: Unknown, no data. As an Amazon species, likely moderate to high humidity. Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no data on overwintering requirements.
  • Nesting: Inferred from genus: likely nests in soil or wood. In captivity, use test tubes for founding, then small nests with appropriately scaled chambers.
• Behavior: No specific behavior data exists. Based on Pheidole patterns, majors defend the nest and minors forage. Their small size means high escape risk, use fine mesh and tight barriers.
• Common Issues: no documented biology means all care is based on genus-level inference, results may vary., tiny size makes escape prevention critical, use fine mesh and tight-fitting barriers., lack of colony data means founding success rates are unpredictable., no confirmed diet preferences, start with standard ant foods and observe acceptance., humidity control is important, too dry and colonies may fail, too wet and mold becomes an issue.

Appearance and Identification

Pheidole lemur is a small, yellow ant with the characteristic big-headed majors of the genus. The species is pale, earning its name 'lemur' meaning ghost ^[1]. Specific body size data is unavailable, but it belongs to the diligens group, similar to Pheidole diligens ^[1].

Distribution and Habitat

This species is known only from Belém, Pará in Brazil ^[1]. There are dubious records from Argentina ^[2], and it has been recorded in Santa Fe province ^[3]. The natural habitat is tropical forest in the Amazon region.

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary studies exist for Pheidole lemur. As a member of the tribe Attini, they may be omnivorous, but this is inferred from genus patterns. Start with sugar sources and small proteins, and observe colony preferences.

Temperature and Care

No temperature data exists. As a tropical species, keep warm around 24-28°C. Humidity should be moderate to high, with moist substrate. No diapause data exists.

Nesting and Housing

No specific nesting data exists. Inferred from genus: likely nests in soil or wood. Use test tubes for founding colonies, then small nests with appropriately sized chambers. Ensure excellent escape prevention due to tiny size.

Known Information Gaps

Little is known about this species. The scientific literature states 'nothing is known about the biology' of Pheidole lemur ^[1]. All care is based on inference from related species.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References