Pheidole bicarinata

Mayr, 1870

Variable Big-headed Ant, Common Big-headed Ant

Pheidole bicarinata, commonly known as the Variable Big-headed , is a North ant characterized by its polymorphic system with distinct minor and major workers. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the central and eastern United States, ranging from Nebraska and Colorado eastward to New Jersey and Florida. Colonies are moderately sized, typically reaching up to approximately 4,000 workers. The species is notable for its dietary flexibility, incorporating , seeds, and nectar into its foraging repertoire.

Pheidole bicarinata by (c) Cole Shoemaker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cole Shoemaker. Used under a CC-BY license.Pheidole bicarinata by (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC-BY license.Pheidole bicarinata casent0005749 head 1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pheidole bicarinata: /faɪˈdoʊliː ˌbaɪkɛrɪˈneɪtə/

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Identification

Pheidole bicarinata can be distinguished from other Pheidole by its distribution range and morphological characteristics typical of the , including the presence of major with enlarged used for defense and food processing. The species name 'bicarinata' refers to the two-keeled or bicarinate condition of certain body structures. As with other members of the genus, accurate species-level identification requires examination of specific morphological features and is best confirmed by .

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Habitat

Found in a wide range of across its distribution, from grasslands to forested areas. The demonstrates ecological flexibility in habitat selection.

Distribution

to the United States. Distributed from Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Nevada eastward to New Jersey and Florida.

Diet

Pheidole bicarinata consumes , collects seeds, and feeds on nectar from . Documented seed consumption includes Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), and Oenothera biennis (evening primrose).

Life Cycle

Colonies grow rapidly in suitable conditions. The has four larval . Colony size typically reaches up to 4,000 , rarely exceeding this number.

Similar Taxa

  • Pheidole megacephalaBoth are big-headed with polymorphic , but P. megacephala is a globally distributed with much larger production and more aggressive colony expansion, whereas P. bicarinata is to North America with more moderate colony sizes.

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