Trichomyrmex mayri

Name: Pheidole parva
Origin: Vietnam

Queen: approx. 5 – 6 mm
Workers: Minor: approx. 1.5 – 2 mm / Major: approx. 2.5 – 3 mm
Food: Carbohydrates (e.g. honey, sugar water, agave syrup), Proteins (e.g. cockroaches, flies, crickets, small insects)
Humidity: Arena: 50 – 70%
Nest: 60 – 80%
Temperature: Arena: 24 – 28 degrees
Nest: 24 – 28 degrees
Hibernation: No, no hibernation necessary!
Nest type: We recommend humid 3D nests, acrylic with humidity chambers or Ytong with fine structure – ideal for small species!
Colony size: Very large, up to several thousand workers

Advantages and disadvantages of the species Pheidole parva:

Advantages:
Pheidole parva is a very active and diligent species. It forms great trails and has an exciting caste system due to its soldiers (majors).

Disadvantages:
Due to their small size, there can be challenges with escape prevention and food remnants. The colony can grow very quickly – regular monitoring and good ventilation are necessary.

Keeping:
Pheidole parva is easy to keep, but requires a well-secured setup as it is very small.

A test tube with a small arena (10×10 cm) is sufficient for the beginning. Later, it should be expanded to a nest with a fine structure and at least a 20×20 cm arena. Due to their small size, they can use the smallest cracks – therefore, escape prevention (e.g. talcum or PTFE) is particularly important.

Feeding:
Offer proteins such as cockroaches, flies or crickets every 2 – 3 days. 

Carbohydrates such as honey or sugar water are readily accepted.

Hibernation:
Pheidole parva does not require hibernation, as it originates from tropical regions.

The colony is active year-round. Ensure a constant temperature of at least 24 degrees so that brood care and growth do not stagnate.

Even during quieter phases, carbohydrates should be offered continuously, and proteins can then be reduced.