{"product_id":"pheidole-rhea","title":"Giant Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole rhea)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"MW5IWV\" data-motion-part=\"BG_LAYER\" data-hook=\"bgLayers\" id=\"bgLayers_comp-kxrxckz91\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"12398\" data-end=\"12443\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"12401\" data-end=\"12441\"\u003ePheidole rhea (Giant Big-Headed Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"12445\" data-end=\"12684\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"12445\" data-end=\"12460\"\u003ePheidole rhea\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the largest and most visually impressive big-headed ant species. These ants display a strong caste system, majors with massive heads defend the nest and process food, while minors handle foraging and care duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"12686\" data-end=\"12999\"\u003eNative to the American Southwest, \u003cem data-start=\"12720\" data-end=\"12729\"\u003eP. rhea\u003c\/em\u003e colonies grow rapidly when provided with warmth and food. They are highly active and social, creating constant movement in the nest and outworld. This balance of activity and structure makes them an exceptional species for keepers who love to observe colony dynamics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13001\" data-end=\"13192\"\u003eWith bright reddish-brown coloration and oversized majors, \u003cem data-start=\"13060\" data-end=\"13069\"\u003eP. rhea\u003c\/em\u003e offers both aesthetic appeal and biological interest, making it one of the most engaging big-headed ants for sale today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"13194\" data-end=\"13197\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"13199\" data-end=\"13221\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13203\" data-end=\"13219\"\u003eSpecies Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13223\" data-end=\"13332\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13223\" data-end=\"13235\"\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13235\" data-end=\"13238\"\u003eLarge, fast-growing big-headed ant species with clear major and minor caste differentiation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13334\" data-end=\"13411\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13334\" data-end=\"13343\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13343\" data-end=\"13346\"\u003eSeeds, insects, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"13366\" data-end=\"13390\"\u003ebyFormica Ant Nectar\u003c\/strong\u003e for carbohydrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13413\" data-end=\"13489\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13413\" data-end=\"13429\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13429\" data-end=\"13432\"\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong data-start=\"13441\" data-end=\"13452\"\u003e78–85°F\u003c\/strong\u003e with moderate humidity near brood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13491\" data-end=\"13543\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13491\" data-end=\"13500\"\u003eNest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13500\" data-end=\"13503\"\u003eSand or loam setups with dry outworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13545\" data-end=\"13589\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13545\" data-end=\"13558\"\u003eDiapause:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13558\" data-end=\"13561\"\u003eOptional mild winter rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13591\" data-end=\"13665\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13591\" data-end=\"13602\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"13602\" data-end=\"13605\"\u003eRapid; colonies multiply quickly under heat and nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13667\" data-end=\"13718\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13667\" data-end=\"13682\"\u003eQueen size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–14 mm  \u003cstrong data-start=\"13693\" data-end=\"13709\"\u003eWorker size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–9 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"13720\" data-end=\"13723\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"13725\" data-end=\"13909\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13725\" data-end=\"13734\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e All ants for sale have a range where the species is native. Always check your local regulations before purchasing live ants.\u003cbr data-start=\"13859\" data-end=\"13862\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"13862\" data-end=\"13880\"\u003eStates Native:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arizona, California, New Mexico\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/pheidole-ant-care-guide\"\u003ePheidole Ant Care Guide\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/ant-feeding-guide\"\u003eAnt Feeding Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American Ant Store","offers":[{"title":"1 queen","offer_id":46878389600514,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen  ~10 workers","offer_id":46878389633282,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen 30+ workers","offer_id":47093251440898,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen 50+ workers","offer_id":47409952981250,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/36C2300A-592A-4779-94FC-F787309B4856.jpg?v=1787978113","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/pheidole-rhea","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}