Pheidole makirovana

Pheidole makirovana

Pheidole makirovana is a small ant species native to Madagascar, specifically found in the Makirovana Forest region of Antsiranana. Major workers measure 1.7-1.92mm with a distinctive rectangular head that slightly widens toward the back, while minor workers are much smaller at 0.57-0.62mm. The species belongs to the Pheidole curvistriata species group and shows the characteristic two-worker caste system common to all Pheidole ants, with large major workers (soldiers) and smaller minor workers. Majors are brown to dark brown, while minors are yellowish brown to brown. This species was only described in 2020,making it one of the newer additions to the ant-keeping hobby ^[1].

This species inhabits transitional humid forest, rainforest, and montane rainforest environments at elevations between 450-1200 meters. In the wild, colonies nest in rotten logs and rotten twigs on the ground, indicating a preference for damp, decaying wood as nesting material. The elevation range suggests they prefer cooler, more humid conditions than many lowland tropical ants ^[1].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Makirovana Forest, Antsiranana region, northern Madagascar. Found in transitional humid forest, rainforest, and montane rainforest at 450-1200m elevation. Nests in rotten logs and rotten twigs on the ground ^[1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species. Most Pheidole species are monogyne (single queen), though some can be polygyne. Further research needed to confirm the exact colony structure of P. makirovana.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Not yet described in scientific literature, queen measurements unavailable ^[1]
  • Worker: Major workers: 1.70-1.92mm head length,1.57-1.70mm head width. Minor workers: 0.57-0.62mm head length,0.53-0.57mm head width ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, colony size has not been documented in scientific literature ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown, growth rate has not been studied
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks based on typical Pheidole development patterns at optimal temperature (Direct development data unavailable for this species. Estimates based on genus-level patterns for Pheidole in Madagascar. Optimal temperature likely 24-28°C based on natural habitat elevation.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. The elevation range of 450-1200m suggests preference for warm but not hot conditions. Avoid temperatures above 30°C. A gentle heat gradient allows ants to regulate their temperature ^[1]
  • Humidity: High humidity required, aim for 70-85%. Their natural habitat in humid rainforest means they need consistently moist nest conditions. Use damp substrate and provide a water source. Mist occasionally but avoid waterlogging ^[1]
  • Diapause: Unknown, no research on seasonal behavior. The mild Madagascar climate at their elevation range may not require true hibernation, but a slight cooling period during winter months may be beneficial.
  • Nesting: Provide rotting wood pieces, cork, or a naturalistic setup with damp substrate. In captivity, Y-tong nests or plaster nests with high humidity work well. They naturally nest in rotten logs and twigs, so substrate should be able to hold moisture while providing structure ^[1]
• Behavior: Pheidole are generally non-aggressive toward keepers but majors can deliver a mild sting if provoked. Workers are active foragers, with minors typically handling most foraging duties while majors defend the nest and process larger food items. Minor workers are small (0.53-0.57mm) so escape prevention should be moderate, standard test tube setups work well but ensure connections are secure. They are omnivorous and will accept both protein sources and sugar. Major workers are nocturnal foragers in many species, though this specific behavior is unconfirmed for P. makirovana.
• Common Issues: high humidity maintenance is critical, drying out causes colony collapse, newly described species means limited captive breeding information, wild-caught colonies may struggle, rotten wood nesting preference requires specific setup, standard test tubes alone may not be ideal, small minor workers may have difficulty with larger prey items, colony size unknown so growth expectations are uncertain

Housing and Nest Setup

Pheidole makirovana naturally nests in rotten logs and rotten twigs on the forest floor, indicating a strong preference for damp, decaying wood. In captivity, provide a naturalistic setup with pieces of cork, rotting wood, or a well-moistened plaster or Y-tong formicarium. The nest material should be able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. A hybrid approach works well: a test tube setup for the founding chamber connected to a naturalistic area with damp substrate. Ensure the outworld provides easy access to food while the nest area maintains high humidity. Because minors are very small (0.53-0.57mm), ensure all connections between nest areas are secure and free of gaps that could allow escapes. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

Pheidole ants are omnivorous and will accept a varied diet. Offer protein sources such as small insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworms), and sugar sources including honey water or sugar water. In their natural rainforest habitat, they likely forage for small arthropods and tend aphids for honeydew. Feed minors small prey items they can handle, and allow majors to process larger pieces. Provide a constant sugar water source and protein 2-3 times per week. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Fresh killed insects are preferred over live prey for the smaller minor workers. ^[1]

Temperature and Humidity

This species comes from mid-elevation rainforest in northern Madagascar (450-1200m), so they prefer warm but not extreme temperatures. Keep the nest at 24-28°C with a slight gradient if possible. Avoid temperatures above 30°C as this can stress the colony. Humidity is critical, maintain 70-85% relative humidity. The rotting wood nesting preference means the substrate should feel damp to the touch. Use a water reservoir or mist regularly to maintain moisture. A small water tube in the outworld provides drinking water. Monitor for condensation on nest walls, which indicates adequate humidity. If the colony clusters near the moisture source, increase humidity. ^[1]

Colony Development

As a recently described species (2020), there is limited captive breeding information for Pheidole makirovana. Queens likely seal themselves in a chamber to found colonies claustrally, living off stored fat until first workers emerge. Expect the first nanitic (first generation) workers to appear after 6-8 weeks at optimal temperature, though this is estimated based on typical Pheidole development. Initial colony growth will be slow as the queen focuses on producing workers. Once the first majors appear, colony development typically accelerates. Major workers appear when the colony reaches a certain size threshold, this is a common trait in Pheidole species where the colony invests in soldiers once it has sufficient workers to support them. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

Pheidole makirovana exhibits the typical Pheidole colony structure with distinct major and minor worker castes. Minor workers handle foraging, brood care, and general nest maintenance, while major workers defend the nest, process large food items, and may assist with seed processing. Majors have functional stings and can deliver a mild sting if threatened, though they are not aggressive toward keepers. Workers are primarily nocturnal foragers in many Pheidole species, though this specific behavior is unconfirmed for P. makirovana. The species is not known to be invasive or particularly problematic, it is a peaceful forest-floor ant that poses no danger to humans beyond mild defensive stinging. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References