Ant Colony Pheidole Pallidula (Queen and 30+ Workers) - Big-Headed Ant

Pheidole pallidula Ant Colony (Queen and 30+ Workers)

The Pheidole pallidula, better known as the Big-headed Ant, is a small but incredibly spectacular ant species from the Southern European Mediterranean region. Don't be fooled by their modest size: these ants more than compensate with their fierce nature, enormous dynamism, and fascinating colony structure. This well-established colony consists of a healthy queen (gyne) with a bustling group of 30 or more (30+) workers and associated brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).

Striking Soldiers and Fierce Hunters

What makes Pheidole pallidula so special is the extreme difference in appearance within the colony. Even with a relatively small group, striking Majors (soldiers) emerge: ants with giant heads and strong jaws specifically built to crack hard food and defend the colony. In this colony of 30+ workers, several soldiers are already active, supporting the work in the nest and arena! Big-headed ants are also true hunters who explore the outside world in large numbers as soon as food is offered.

Explosive Growth and Escape Prevention

With proper care and sufficient food, a Pheidole colony can grow rapidly to thousands of ants. Because the workers are small and very resourceful, a well-sealed enclosure with decent escape prevention (such as fluon or good anti-escape oil) is essential. This makes them ideally suited for experienced ant keepers who love action and a lively ant farm.

Complete Nutritional Diet Available for Order

Pheidole pallidula has a versatile diet and a hearty appetite. They thrive on a combination of sugar water, fruit flies, and small insects, supplemented with a small amount of fine seeds (such as grass seed). Make it easy for yourself and order our complete nutrition package directly! Do you want to provide optimal care for the colony? Then choose our Deluxe nutrition set, including nutritional jelly, dosing pipette, and a convenient feeding tray.

Suitable Habitats

This colony thrives in acrylic, plaster, and sand ant farms. With over 30 workers, a test tube connected to a well-sealed arena (outside world) is the perfect setup to observe their active foraging and hunting behavior in a controlled manner.

Note: This ant colony is intended for sand, plaster, and acrylic nests. Are you looking for ants for a gel ant farm? Then choose our special Ant Family for Gel.

Packaging, Shipping, and Health Guarantee

You will receive the colony in a specially prepared test tube with a water supply behind a cotton ball, which keeps the nest space at the correct moisture level. Upon receipt, the colony can remain in this tube for up to a few weeks without worry. We provide a 2-week full guarantee on the life and health of the queen (with proper care). Should the queen not arrive alive or die within 2 weeks, we will immediately arrange a free replacement colony!

Pheidole pallidula Specifications:

• Scientific name: Pheidole pallidula
• Dutch name: Dikkopmier / Groothoofdmier (Big-headed Ant)
• Difficulty level: 2 (Experienced – requires good escape prevention)
• Queen size: 7 - 8 mm
• Worker size: 2 - 3 mm (Minors) to 4 - 5 mm (Majors/Soldiers)
• Colony form: Monogyn and sometimes Polygyn (also develops excellently with 1 queen)
• Main diet: Sugar/honey water, small insects (fruit flies) and small seeds
• Recommended nest type: Acrylic, Plaster or Sand (including well-sealed arena)
• Hibernation: November to February (keep slightly cooler at approx. 15°C; they often continue to grow well at room temperature too)

Ready for action, explosive breeding, and impressive soldiers in your ant farm? Order your Pheidole pallidula colony (30+ workers) today from Mierenboerderij!