Pheidole pallidula

Name: Pheidole pallidula
Origin: Spain
Queen: approx. 7 – 9 mm
Workers: Minor: approx. 2 – 3 mm, Major (soldiers): approx. 4 – 6 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (e.g. sugar water, honey), proteins (insects such as flies, roaches, crickets)
Humidity:
• Arena: 30 – 50 %
• Nest: 50 – 70 %
Temperature:
• Arena: 24 – 30 °C
• Nest: 25 – 30 °C
Winter Dormancy: Yes, 3-4 months
Nest Type: Plaster, Ytong, 3D, or sand-clay nests
Colony Size: up to 10,000 workers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pheidole pallidula

Advantages:
Pheidole pallidula is active, curious, and very eager to feed. It develops quickly, forms a large colony with striking soldiers, and is well suited for beginners. The species shows exciting social behavior through the division of labor between minor and major workers.

Disadvantages:
The majors are impressive but hardly participate in work – purely defensive. The species is sensitive to excessive humidity or cold. Due to their small size they can easily escape – pay attention to good escape-proofing.

Care

Pheidole pallidula is an uncomplicated species, perfect for warmth-loving ant enthusiasts. During the founding phase, a test tube with a mini arena is sufficient.
As the colony grows, a well-ventilated plaster, Ytong, or sand-clay nest and an arena of at least 20×20 cm are recommended. The species is diurnal and very agile. Under good conditions it can multiply significantly within a few months.

Feeding

Very active – eats quickly and reliably:
Proteins every 2–3 days in the form of flies, roaches, crickets.