Pheidole is a genus of ant that belongs to the ant subfamily Myrmicinae. The genus is widespread and ecologically dominant. It probably includes more than a thousand species . The genus first evolved in the Americas, eventually spreading across the globe.
Most species of Pheidole are dimorphic, which means that colonies contain two castes of workers: the "minor" workers, and the "major" workers, or "soldiers". The latter generally have enormous heads and mandibles in comparison to their usually fairly modest body size.
In addition, as in other ant species, a colony may contains one or several queens and also, in mature colonies, alates, virgin winged females and males
The distinctive major workers have earned the genus Pheidole the nickname of "big headed ants." The major workers of a Pheidolecolony, while they may look fierce, are often quite shy and are often the first to flee on any hint of danger. Interestingly, manyPheidole species are the prey of parasitoid phorid flies that lay their eggs on the major workers; the fly larvae grow mainly in the head capsules of the victims, eventually decapitating them, and probably would starve in the bodies of minor workers.
In most cases, the major workers are employed within the nest to break up large food items, or outside to carry large items, like seeds; many Pheidole species are ecologically important seed consumers
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.Photos Geri 10/9/2015 by George Konstantinou
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