Ant Colony Pheidole Pallidula (Queen and 10+ Workers) - Big-Headed Ant

Pheidole pallidula Ant Colony (Queen and 10+ Workers)

The Pheidole pallidula, better known as the Big-headed Ant, is a small yet incredibly spectacular ant species from the Southern European Mediterranean region. Don't let their modest size fool you: these ants more than make up for it with their fierce character, immense dynamism, and fascinating colony structure. This starter colony consists of a healthy queen (gyne) with an initial group of 10 or more (10+) workers and associated brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).

Striking Soldiers and Fierce Hunters

What makes Pheidole pallidula so special is the extreme difference in appearances within the colony. Even in a relatively small group, striking Majors (soldiers) emerge: ants with gigantic heads and strong jaws specially built to crack hard food and defend the colony. With this starter colony of 10+ workers, you can often admire the first soldiers immediately! 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 rapidly grow to thousands of ants. Because the workers are small and very resourceful, a well-sealed enclosure with solid escape prevention (such as fluon or good anti-escape oil) is essential. This makes them ideally suited for ant keepers with some experience who enjoy action and a lively ant farm.

Complete Food 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 food package directly! Do you want to optimally care for the colony? Then choose our Deluxe feeding set, including feeding jelly, dosing pipette, and a convenient feeding tray.

Suitable Habitats

This colony thrives excellently in acrylic, gypsum, and sand ant farms. Due to their small size, a starter setup with a test tube connected to a well-sealed outworld is the perfect basis for controlled colony growth.

Please note: This ant colony is intended for sand, gypsum, 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 nesting area at the correct moisture level. Upon receipt, the colony can remain here without worry for up to a few weeks. 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 provide 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 thrives excellently with 1 queen)
• Main diet: Sugar/honey water, small insects (fruit flies), and small seeds
• Recommended nest type: Acrylic, Gypsum, or Sand (including a well-sealed outworld)
• Hibernation: November through 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 (10+ workers) today at Mierenboerderij!