{"product_id":"pheidole-pilifera","title":"Pheidole pilifera (Hairy Big-headed Ant)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese ants are sold exclusively through our\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Canada Ant Colony Partner Network\" href=\"https:\/\/canada-ant-colony.com\/pages\/partner-network\"\u003epartner network\u003c\/a\u003e. Shipping costs may be higher for orders that have this item.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species also has\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esupercolonies.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo order colonies with multiple queens, order individual colonies here, and specify you want supercolonies in the \"Order notes\" section or by email.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePheidole pilifera\u003c\/em\u003e are one of the best \u003cem\u003ePheidole spp\u003c\/em\u003e in North America and are overall a very exciting species in captivity. Colonies eat just about anything, and grow very quickly if heated and fed frequently. Major workers have large heads used to crack seeds and tear through insect parts. They are particularly notable for the large differences between the \"Big-headed\" majors and the smaller minor workers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePheidole pilifera\u003c\/em\u003e is a granivorous species, and can be often found with lures of walnut and many seeds. These ants should be kept hot to maintain growth, and hibernation is not required. Minor workers range from 1-2mm, and major workers range from 4-5mm, with queens reaching close to 7mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColonies should be kept at above 28 degrees Celsius with humidity levels above 65%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild pictures come from Josiah Kilburn :) Follow him on Instagram at @maxhikephotography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xhtml\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol width=\"100\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"100\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Scientific Name:\"}'\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pilifera\"}'\u003ePheidole pilifera\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Common Name:\"}'\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Hairy Big-headed Ant\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHairy Big-headed Ant\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Taxonomy:\"}'\u003eTaxonomy:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Kingdom:\\tAnimalia | Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta | Order: Hymenoptera | Family: Formicidae | Subfamily: Myrmicinae | Genus: Pheidole | Species: P. pilifera.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eKingdom: Animalia | Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta | Order: Hymenoptera | Family: Formicidae | Subfamily: Myrmicinae | Genus: Pheidole | Species: P. pilifera.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Care Difficulty:\"}'\u003eCare Difficulty:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pilifera is a beginner leved ant species.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pilifera is a beginner leved ant species.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Distribution:\"}'\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"This species is widely destributed throughout USA. It can also be found in Mexico. Here in Canada, there are a few unverified records of suspected Pheidole pilifera in Alberta.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis species is widely destributed throughout USA. It can also be found in Mexico. Here in Canada, there are a few unverified records of suspected Pheidole pilifera in Alberta.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Habitat:\"}'\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pillifera have been known to make small ant hills in sunny habitats like grasslands. They seem to prefer sandy areas.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pillifera have been known to make small ant hills in sunny habitats like grasslands. They seem to prefer sandy areas.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Colony form:\"}'\u003eColony form:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pilifera are monogynous meaning that they can only have 1 queen in a colony.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pilifera are monogynous meaning that they can only have 1 queen in a colony.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Queen:\"}'\u003eQueen:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Queens of this species reach close to 7mm.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eQueens of this species reach close to 7mm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Worker:\"}'\u003eWorker:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Workers will reach aroun 1-2 mm.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWorkers will reach aroun 1-2 mm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Soldier:\"}'\u003eSoldier:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Like all Pheidole species, this species has soldiers. Soldiers of this species are around 4-5mm.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eLike all Pheidole species, this species has soldiers. Soldiers of this species are around 4-5mm.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Males:\"}'\u003eMales:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"There are no recorded sizes of males in this species.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThere are no recorded sizes of males in this species.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Nutrition:\"}'\u003eNutrition:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pillifera will eat almost anything. They will easily take most carbohydrates without issue, this includes: honey, sugar water, honey water, and sunburst ant nectar. When it comes to proteins, Pheidole pilifera will take almost any protein source most feeder insects such as, fruit flies, crickets, mealworms, superworms, surinam roaches, and discoid roaches. It is generally recommended to feed larger prey items pre-killed because of their small worker sizes. Colonies will most likely have issues taking down large prey items. Pheidole pilifera have been observed to collect seeds and eat them in the wild. It is acceptable to feed them diiferent types of seeds such as dandelion seeds, walnuts, and almonds. It is recommended to break them into small pieces to make it easier for the ants to consume.  \"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pillifera will eat almost anything. They will easily take most carbohydrates without issue, this includes: honey, sugar water, honey water, and sunburst ant nectar. When it comes to proteins, Pheidole pilifera will take almost any protein source most feeder insects such as, fruit flies, crickets, mealworms, superworms, surinam roaches, and discoid roaches. It is generally recommended to feed larger prey items pre-killed because of their small worker sizes. Colonies will most likely have issues taking down large prey items. Pheidole pilifera have been observed to collect seeds and eat them in the wild. It is acceptable to feed them diiferent types of seeds such as dandelion seeds, walnuts, and almonds. It is recommended to break them into small pieces to make it easier for the ants to consume.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Air humidity:\"}'\u003eAir humidity:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Colonies should be kept at around 65% humidity.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eColonies should be kept at around 65% humidity.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Temperature\"}'\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pillifera should be kept at around 28C for optimal growth. Room temperature will work fine but coloneis might not grow as fast.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pillifera should be kept at around 28C for optimal growth. Room temperature will work fine but coloneis might not grow as fast.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Hibernation:\"}'\u003eHibernation:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"It is not recommended to hibernate Pheidole pillifera. Colonies will grow all year long. \"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt is not recommended to hibernate Pheidole pillifera. Colonies will grow all year long.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Nesting Habits:\"}'\u003eNesting Habits:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Colonies can be found under rocks or other debris. Colonies can also be found nesting in regular soil.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eColonies can be found under rocks or other debris. Colonies can also be found nesting in regular soil.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Kind of Formicaria:\"}'\u003eKind of Formicaria:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pillifera will do well in most formicaria. It is recommended to avoid wood nests for this species. Colonies will do well in any Tarheel ants, Por amor, and Buckeye Myrmecology nest. Due to their small size, it is recommended to keep them in a nest with tight fitting glass to prevent escapes.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pillifera will do well in most formicaria. It is recommended to avoid wood nests for this species. Colonies will do well in any Tarheel ants, Por amor, and Buckeye Myrmecology nest. Due to their small size, it is recommended to keep them in a nest with tight fitting glass to prevent escapes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Description:\"}'\u003eDescription:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Pheidole pillifera is an amazing beginner species perfect for someone who is looking for an entertaining desk top ant species. Due to their small size, they can be kept in small formicaria making them not take up a lot of space. Colonies will swarm food making it very entertaining to watch as you see large headed soldiers and smaller sized workers consume and break down their food.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePheidole pillifera is an amazing beginner species perfect for someone who is looking for an entertaining desk top ant species. Due to their small size, they can be kept in small formicaria making them not take up a lot of space. Colonies will swarm food making it very entertaining to watch as you see large headed soldiers and smaller sized workers consume and break down their food.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Offering quantity:\"}'\u003eOffering quantity:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Queen,  Queen + 1-5 workers, Queen + 5-10 workers, Queen + 10-25 workers, Queen + 25-50 workers, Queen + 50-100 workers.\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eQueen, Queen + 1-5 workers, Queen + 5-10 workers, Queen + 10-25 workers, Queen + 25-50 workers, Queen + 50-100 workers.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Weblinks:\"}'\u003eWeblinks:\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"https:\/\/www.formiculture.com\/topic\/2442-finding-pheidole-pilifera\/\\nantwiki.org\/wiki\/Pheidole_pilifera\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ehttps:\/\/www.formiculture.com\/topic\/2442-finding-pheidole-pilifera\/\u003cbr\u003eantwiki.org\/wiki\/Pheidole_pilifera\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eShipping Conditions\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003eThis species comes from more tropical areas than Canada, and are not cold-tolerant. Thus, we will not ship them in the winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust a warning, we will NOT ship live ants into the US unless the receiver has a permit. If such an order is made, it will be refunded, minus a 10% processing fee and restocking fee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis product is from Canada Ant Colony. The full catalogue, including all variants, can be found at https:\/\/canada-ant-colony.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 id=\"isPasted\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor US Ant Keepers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe can't ship live ants to the US, but we've partnered with \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.statesideants.com\/?ref=DOWNTHEANTHILL\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStateside Ants\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e to help spread ant keeping. They're a highly reputable ant store and ship to all states in the lower 48. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou can check them out \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.statesideants.com\/?ref=DOWNTHEANTHILL\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehere\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and use code DTAHAFFIL for 10% off\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canada Ant Colony","offers":[{"title":"Queen","offer_id":42421825798366,"sku":"1825798366","price":114.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Queen + 1-5 workers (Boosted)","offer_id":42421826191582,"sku":"1826191582","price":129.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Queen + 5-10 workers (Boosted)","offer_id":42421826617566,"sku":"1826617566","price":154.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Queen + 10-25 workers","offer_id":42421826879710,"sku":"1826879710","price":209.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Queen + 25-50 workers","offer_id":42421827043550,"sku":"1827043550","price":229.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Queen + 50-100 workers","offer_id":42421827207390,"sku":"1827207390","price":317.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0081\/8928\/0333\/files\/pheidole-pilifera-hairy-big-headed-ant-487415.jpg?v=1729700893","url":"https:\/\/canada-ant-colony.com\/pa\/products\/pheidole-pilifera","provider":"Canada Ant Colony","version":"1.0","type":"link"}