Big Headed Ant Queen + Workers- Pheidole Sp.

Founding type: Claustral

Size: Small. Queen ~5mm, workers ~1mm

Diet: Do not require feeding until workers arrive. Feed a mix of small protein and sugars.

Set-up: Test tube up until 15-30 workers. Then move to small nest and outworld.

These little ants are incredibly unique with their huge heads! They are very easy to look after and copy relatively well with disturbance. They are a great beginner species as they are not harmful or aggressive in any way. The colonies produce big-headed minor and major workers and expand quickly.

No sales to WA, Tas and USA

$90.00
- + Low stock

There are only 3 Big Headed Ant Queen + Workers- Pheidole Sp. available in stock.

10 Mind-Blowing Facts That Make Ants The Perfect Pets…

Ants are often misunderstood as ‘pests’… but the truth is, they’re pets! These natural wonders play a critical role in the environment:

1. Ants Can ‘Talk’

They communicate through chemical signals, tactile cues, and sounds!

2. Ants Are As Old As Dinosaurs

Ants have been around for millions of years. They shared the planet with dinosaurs like the T-rex, triceratops, and velociraptor!

3. Ants Have Two Stomachs

One is to hold their own food – the second is to hold food they will share with other ants!

4. Ants Have Jobs

They collect food, take out the trash, protect the nest, and care for the queen and the brood!

5. Ants Aren’t Pests… They’re Pest Controllers

Scientists often use ants as biomarkers for revegetation. They use ants as organic pest controllers in Australian mango and cashew farming!

6. Ant Colonies Are Superorganisms

Because the collective behaviour of the colony is more important than that of individual ants, colonies can be considered superorganisms!

7. Ants Work As A Team

They work together to solve complex problems, building bridges, rafts, and towers to overcome obstacles!

8. Ants Do Everything For The Good Of The Colony

All ant interactions are designed to support colony growth and brood production. They’ll continue to evolve the habitat to support the future of new ants!

9. Ants Build Complex Nests

These can range from simple underground tunnels to large mounds or even nests that are suspended nests in trees!

10. Ants Hatch From Eggs

This process is a complex and fascinating one, similar to a butterfly evolving from a cocoon!

Frequently Asked Questions

I am new to ant keeping and want to know how to get started in the ant keeping hobby.

Welcome to the world of ant keeping! We suggest doing some initial research on ant keeping. There is a wealth of information available on YouTube, including our beginner video HERE. You can find our basic care guide HERE.  If you have specific questions, we are happy to help. You can contact us HERE.

What is the best setup for beginners?

Most of our formicariums are easy-to-use and suitable for beginners. We do however recommend our Start Up Sets as a great place to begin. They come with everything you need to get started in ant keeping, including a great beginner species queen ant. They contain all you the basic equipment needed for every stage of ant keeping.

What is the best ant species to keep for beginners?

There are over 1300 species of ants in Australia, so there are quite a number of species suitable for beginners. We recommend starting out with a species that does not sting and are relatively hardy. Examples include Camponotus, Aphaenogastor and small Iridomyrmex, but there are plenty of other suitable species also. Please contact us if you are unsure and would like some advice.

What does my queen need?

You can find our basic care guide HERE. This outlines the very basics of what your queen will need. We recommend doing further research and learn how to care for your ants. There is a wealth of information available on YouTube.

What is the difference between claustral and semi-claustral queens?

Watch a quick explanation video HERE.

Claustral: Claustral queens in the wild do not leave their founding chamber to forage at all. They will use energy gained from metabolising their wing muscles that are no longer required, to sustain themselves until their first generation of workers emerges. From that point, her workers will forage for food and will feed the queen via a process called Trophallaxis. These queens are generally kept in a standard test tube set up in captivity. 

Semi-claustral queens in the wild will periodically leave their founding chamber to forage and feed themselves during the founding stage. In captivity they will require feeding from the start and in some instances (such as Myrmecia) will require access to a foraging area during the founding stage. A tub and tube set up will work well in this instance.

What should I feed them?

Adult ants require a liquid sugar source, such as our Ant Juice. Provide this to Semi-claustral queens straight away, and start feeding this to your claustral colony once the first workers emerge. Your colony will also require a protein source. This could come from feeder insects or our Ant Mousse. The protein helps the queen with egg-laying and helps maintain healthy growth of the larvae.

I do not like and/or cannot keep crickets or other live feeder insects. Are there other alternatives for protein source?

For most ant species, freshly killed feeder insects are the best and most accepted protein source for ants. Mealworms are the easiest feeder insect to raise and keep. You can also try our convenient Ant Mousse. We have found most ants will readily accept this food, but it is always good to provide variety for your ants to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they require.

Over 106 5 Star Reviews

Australia’s #1 Choice For A Flourishing Ant Empire…

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High-quality build

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Done-for-you kit

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15+ ant species
Hand-selected queen (by a Zoologist)
30-day change of mind guarantee
Thriving colony guaranteed
Fully contained nest (no escapes)

Erin’s 6 Top Tips For A Thriving Colony…

As a Zoologist and former RSPCA inspector, it’s fair to say I love the animal kingdom. When well cared for, ant farms can live for up to 5 years! Follow these tips and watch your child’s face light up as their ant society grows before their eyes!

Healthy Diet

Ants need protein and carbs to keep healthy. Your kit comes with juice and jelly and we sell ant mousse for extra protein. You can also feed them fruits, meats, or even other insects. All ants are different, so experiment or Google your ant species to see what foods they eat!

Fresh Water

Your ants like clean water! Make sure the water is easily accessible but doesn’t put your ants at risk of drowning. A water-filled test tube or water feeder are perfect.

Ideal Temperature

Most ants thrive within a temperature range of 20-25 degrees Celsius. A quick Google check will help you learn about your ant species’ preference for temperature and humidity.

Safe Habitat

Ants need enough space to grow, without taking up too much space in your home. Ants don't actually like having space, they like to be cramped together Our farms are scientifically designed for ventilation, control, and observation too!

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning will keep your colony in tip-top shape and prevent mould or bacteria. Remove any uneaten food, debris, or dead ants. Make sure they have enough sand, soil, or nesting material to feel at home.

Don’t Add Other Ants

Would you like it if someone else started living in your home? Your ant farm has everything your ants need for a thriving colony. Avoid bringing in other ants or queens and you’ll keep it that way!

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Our Royal Double Guarantee

I’m on a mission to help kids everywhere discover the natural wonders and joy of ant keeping. To make it as easy and risk-free as possible, your starter set is covered by our Royal Double Guarantee.

Here’s how it works:

1.
30-Day Change Of Mind Guarantee

In the extremely unlikely event that within 30 days you decide this new exciting hobby is not for you, send your items back and we’ll give you a full refund.

2.
Thriving Colony Guarantee

We go to extreme lengths to deliver healthy, fertile ants that ensure a thriving colony you’ll marvel at. That includes:

  • Careful hand selection of queen ants by an expert Zoologist
  • Fertility assessment prior to shipping
  • Temperature-controlled storage with nutrient-rich feeding
  • Protective packaging to ensure transit protection
  • Expertly crafted farms that expand as the colony grows