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

Pheidole phipsoni

Monogynous Non-Parasitic Queen No Gamergate
Sci. Name
Pheidole phipsoni
Tribe
Attini
Subfamily
Myrmicinae
Author
Forel, 1902
Distribution
Found in 1 countries
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Introduction

Pheidole phipsoni is a species of big-headed ant native to India, described by Forel in 1902 . It is recorded in southern Indian states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu . Workers are small, and soldiers have enlarged heads characteristic of the genus . Like other Pheidole species, they are seed-harvesting ants, which is inferred from genus patterns .

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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: Medium
  • Origin & Habitat: India (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu) in tropical/subtropical regions [2]
  • Colony Type: Based on Pheidole genus patterns, likely monogyne (single queen) [3]
  • Size & Growth:
    • Queen: Size data unavailable
    • Worker: Size data unavailable
    • Colony: Size data unavailable
    • Growth: Moderate to fast
    • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns [3] (Development time is inferred, specific data for P. phipsoni is not available)
  • Antkeeping:
    • Temperature: Keep warm, roughly 24-28°C, based on tropical origin
    • Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity, keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged
    • Diapause: No, species is tropical and likely does not require diapause
    • Nesting: Use Y-tong, plaster, or soil nests, provide enclosed spaces with damp substrate [3]
  • Behavior: Pheidole phipsoni is generally calm, soldiers defend the colony but pose minimal threat. Workers are active foragers. Escape risk is high due to small size, ensure tight barriers
  • Common Issues: humidity control is important to prevent mold in nest areas, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites that affect captive survival, small size increases escape risk, use fine mesh or barriers

Housing and Nest Setup

You can use Y-tong nests, plaster nests, or naturalistic setups with soil substrates. Start colonies in test tubes with cotton water reservoirs. Once the colony grows, move to a proper formicarium. Always ensure escape prevention, as workers can slip through small gaps [3].

Feeding and Diet

As seed-harvesting ants, offer a mix of seeds, grains, and bird seed. Provide protein sources like small insects and sugar water. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, with constant access to seeds and sugar [3].

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain temperatures around 24-28°C for optimal brood development. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest for a gradient. Humidity should be moderate, keep substrate damp but not wet.

Colony Development

Colony growth is moderate to fast once established. First workers are called nanitics. Soldiers appear as the colony grows, specialized for defense and seed processing. Regular feeding and proper temperature support growth [3].

Behavior and Temperament

This species is calm and not aggressive toward keepers. Workers forage actively, and soldiers defend the colony minimally. Escape risk is high due to small size, so use tight barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Pheidole phipsoni to produce first workers?

Expect first workers in about 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, inferred from Pheidole genus patterns [3].

Can I keep multiple Pheidole phipsoni queens together?

Not recommended, as the species is likely monogyne based on genus patterns. Combining queens may result in fighting [3].

What do Pheidole phipsoni ants eat?

They are seed-harvesters, offer seeds, grains, and protein from small insects. Sugar water provides energy [3].

Are Pheidole phipsoni good for beginners?

They are moderate difficulty due to humidity needs and eventual colony size, but their calm temperament makes them manageable.

What temperature is best for Pheidole phipsoni?

Keep them warm at 24-28°C, based on tropical origin.

How big do Pheidole phipsoni colonies get?

Colony size data is unavailable, but Pheidole colonies can grow large.

Do Pheidole phipsoni need hibernation?

No, as they are tropical and likely do not require diapause.

When should I move Pheidole phipsoni from a test tube to a formicarium?

Move them when the colony is crowded or activity decreases, typically after several weeks [3].

Why are my Pheidole phipsoni dying?

Common causes include improper humidity, temperatures outside range, mold, or poor nutrition. Adjust conditions accordingly.

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References

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This caresheet is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 .