Pheidole militicida (Seed-Milling Big-Headed Ant)

Pheidole militicida — a large desert big-headed ant and a true seed specialist. Its powerful major workers act as living mills, cracking and grinding tough seeds in the nest while swarms of tiny minors do the daily work. A fascinating, hard-working colony.

• You'll receive: a fresh-caught queen with brood.
• Founding: Fully claustral — she raises her first workers sealed away.
• Diet: A dedicated granivore — a seed mix is the staple, plus insect protein for the brood.
• Castes: Tiny minors and large, seed-milling majors.
• Range: Sonoran & Chihuahuan deserts of the American Southwest.
• Difficulty: Intermediate — fast-growing and hardy.

New to big-headed ants? Read our Pheidole militicida care guide →

From their chamber to your door — shipped with care by Royal Chamber Ants.

Native range (U.S.): Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.