Pheidole nodus

Name: Pheidole nodus
Origin: Southeast Asia (Vietnam)
Queen: approx. 8 – 9 mm
Workers: Minor: approx. 2.5 – 3 mm | Major/Soldiers: approx. 4.5 – 5 mm
Diet: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water), Proteins (small insects like fruit flies, crickets, cockroaches)
Humidity:
• Arena: 50 – 70 %
• Nest: 60 – 80 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 28 °C
• Nest: 24 – 28 °C
Hibernation: No
Nest type: Ytong, plaster, 3D, or sand-loam nests
Colony size: 5,000 – 20,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Species Pheidole nodus

Advantages:
Attractive, dimorphic species with a clear size difference between minors and majors. Tropical origin, therefore active year-round. Very exciting and aggressive hunting behavior.

Disadvantages:
Very small and nimble – high escape risk without perfect escape prevention. Tropical conditions require consistently high humidity and warmth.

Care

During the founding phase, a test tube nest with a mini-arena (approx. 10×10 cm) is sufficient. Later, a well-ventilated nest with a humid area should be used (e.g., Ytong or sand-loam). The arena must be escape-proof as the workers are extremely small.

Feeding

Very high protein requirement – offer small insects such as fruit flies, crickets, or cockroaches several times a week. Carbohydrates (honey or sugar water) should always be available and changed regularly.