Massive Big-Headed Ants (P. rhea)
Pheidole rhea is the largest known species of Pheidole in the world. They are extremely rare, with Camponotus sized queens and supermajors. One of the few species in the world that is truly trimorphic. These ants grow very quickly, are very aggressive, and harvest seeds.
STATES AVAILABLE TO BUY PHEIDOLE RHEA: Arizona, New Mexico
Species Info
General: Pheidole rhea is a fast growing, huge, trimorphic, chunky species of Pheidole from the southwest US and northern Mexico. This species is extraordinary.
Diet: Pheidole rhea are seed harvesters, but they also eat liquid sugars and protein. They like Kentucky Bluegrass, Chia, and Dandelion seeds. They love proteins such as crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies.
Temperature: These ants require heating. Their nest should ideally be between 85-88, but provide a heating gradient if possible. Pheidole rhea will not grow at room temperature.
Diapause: Pheidole rhea does not need diapause. These ants can continue to grow and thrive year round. It is recommended to not let these ants get anywhere close to freezing temperatures.
Third Caste: Pheidole rhea has supermajors. Supermajors are a third caste, larger than majors with a different purpose. In the wild, they are used to crack large seeds and defend the nest from raids of Neivamyrmex (army ants).
Growth: Brood development takes 3-6 weeks depending on heating and caste. The majors tend to take longer to develop. Colonies can reach over 5,000 workers within the first year if fed lots and heated correctly.
Queen size: 16-18mm
Worker size: 3-4.5mm
Major size: 5-10mm
Supermajor size: 11-13mm
Live Arrival Guaranteed
If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.
SHIPPING INFO
Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.