Canyon Big-Headed Ants (Pheidole obtusospinosa)

General: Pheidole obtusospinosa is a medium-large species of Pheidole occurring in the southwest US and northern Mexico. This species is one of few in the world that is trimorphic, having workers, majors, and supermajors. They grow VERY quickly with heating and feeding. They're a species that is very finnicky, especially in the early colony stage, and we therefore don't sell very often. If this species is available, it's wise to get them while they're still here.

Diet: These ants have a generalist diet. They love liquid sugars and protein, such as crickets, fruit flies, mealworms, etc. Simply feed them LOTS, and they will grow. It's important, especially early on, to have sugars available often for this species. Workers can die quickly without them. They do not tend to eat seeds.

Temperature: These ants require heating. Their nest should ideally be between 85-92, but provide a heating gradient if possible. Pheidole obtusospinosa will not grow at room temperature. 

Diapause: Pheidole obtusospinosa will not need a diapause period. Do not cool them down anywhere near freezing temperatures. They can continue to grow, even through winter.

Growth: Brood development takes 3-7 weeks depending on heating and caste. The majors tend to take longer to develop. Colonies can be grown to thousands of workers within the first year, given lots of food and heating. In the wild, colonies tend to get many thousands of workers and are known for defending their nests from Neivamyrmex with their huge supermajors.

Queen size: 7-8mm

Worker size: 2.5-3.5mm

Major size: 4-6mm

Supermajor size: 6-8mm

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.

Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.