Eastern Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole dentata)

General: Pheidole dentata is a medium-sized, brown-orange species of fast-growing Big-Headed Ant from the eastern and southern United States. They are known for their large, exciting colonies!

Diet: Pheidole dentata needs sugars (in the form of sugarwater or honeywater) regularly to keep their workers healthy and fueled – it is recommended to feed them sugars at least twice a week as a young colony. Protein twice a week or more is suggested for their growth, which can consist of killed insects such as fruit flies, crickets, mealworms, or roaches. Feed small pieces of food when the colony is still in a test tube, and make sure to clean it out after a day or so. If you want your colony to grow fastest, feed them protein every day or nearly every day.

Temperature: These ants require heating. Their nest should ideally be between 82-84, but provide a heating gradient if possible, allowing for some cooler areas and some warmer areas. Pheidole dentata won’t grow without higher temperatures.

Diapause: Pheidole dentata does not need diapause. These ants can continue to grow and thrive year round. If they do slow down in the winter, just lower their temperature to around 60 degrees and feed sugars regularly. After about 4-5 weeks, put them back onto heat, and they should begin growing again!

Growth: Brood development takes 4-5 weeks depending on heating and caste. The majors tend to take longer to develop. Colonies can get hundreds or maybe 1 thousands of workers in the first year if heated and fed to the max, reaching into the thousands for the second year.

Queen size: 5.5-7mm

Worker size: 3-4mm

Major size: 3.5-5mm

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.