Pheidole rhea

Name: Pheidole rhea
Origin: Deserts of southwestern North America (including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, USA/northern Mexico)
Queen: approx. 18 – 22 mm
Workers: strongly polymorphic with three castes – minor approx. 3.75 – 4.75 mm, major approx. 6 – 9 mm, supermajor significantly larger
Food: Carbohydrates (honey, sugar water), proteins (feeder insects), occasionally seeds
Humidity: Nest approx. 30 – 50% (rather dry, brood prefers it a bit more humid than pupae)
Temperature: approx. 27 – 30 degrees, should not permanently fall below 24 degrees
Winter Dormancy: No
Nest Type: Dry nests (plaster, Ytong) with good ventilation
Colony Size: up to over 30,000 workers possible (monogynous)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pheidole rhea:

Advantages:
One of the most impressive Pheidole species overall, with three distinct worker castes – up to imposing supermajors. Grows quickly and is active year-round, as no winter dormancy is needed.

Disadvantages:
Due to rapid growth, more space is needed early on. The founding phase benefits from somewhat higher temperatures.

Care:
Test tube nest at the start, later a dry nest with good ventilation. Keep constantly warm (not permanently below 24 degrees).

Feeding:
Offer honey or sugar water as well as regular feeder insects, occasionally also small seeds.