Big-headed-ant
Guides
Pheidole adrianoi
Florida Rosemary Big-headed Ant
Pheidole adrianoi is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Naves in 1985. The species is known from Florida, where it has been recorded in association with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) habitats. As with other members of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, this species exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Pheidole californica
California Big-headed Ant
Pheidole californica is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, characterized by the presence of dimorphic worker castes including small workers and large-headed soldiers. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant fauna of western North America. Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits the classic soldier-worker caste system where soldiers possess disproportionately enlarged heads and mandibles used for defense and food processing. The species was described by Mayr in 1870 and includes two recognized subspecies: P. c. californica and P. c. oregonica.
Pheidole clementensis
San Clemente Island Big-headed Ant
Pheidole clementensis is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Gregg in 1969. It is endemic to San Clemente Island, California, and is recognized as a distinct species within the highly diverse genus Pheidole, which contains over 1,000 species globally. Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct soldier and minor worker castes.
Pheidole crassicornis
crassicornis-group Big-headed Ants
Pheidole crassicornis is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, family Formicidae, first described by Emery in 1895. The species belongs to the crassicornis complex within this diverse ant genus. Two subspecies are recognized: P. c. crassicornis (the nominate form) and P. c. tetra (described by Creighton in 1950). Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes.
Pheidole dentigula
Woodland Big-headed Ant
Pheidole dentigula is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Smith in 1927. As with other members of this hyperdiverse genus, it exhibits a dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major soldiers. The species is native to North America and has been documented in woodland habitats.
Pheidole desertorum
Desert Big-headed Ant
Pheidole desertorum is a desert-dwelling ant in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, characterized by large colony sizes and pronounced worker polymorphism. Colonies contain 2,460–24,814 adult workers, making them exceptionally large for the genus. The species exhibits nocturnal foraging during summer months and employs multiple nests as an anti-predator defense strategy. Mating occurs following summer rainfall, with males forming aerial swarms prior to sunrise. Colony foundation is typically haplometrotic, though pleometrotic associations with workers occur.
Pheidole gilvescens
Pheidole gilvescens is a species of big-headed ant described by Creighton and Gregg in 1955. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, it exhibits the characteristic worker dimorphism typical of the genus, with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) differing substantially in head size and morphology. The species name derives from Latin 'gilvescens', meaning becoming pale yellow or tawny, likely referring to coloration. Very little specific biological or ecological information has been published for this particular species.
Pheidole hyatti
Hyatt's Big-headed Ant
Pheidole hyatti is a species of big-headed ant in the family Formicidae. Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, it has become invasive in Hawaii and possibly established in Panama, Bolivia, and Argentina. The species was described by Emery in 1895 and contains one accepted subspecies, Pheidole hyatti hyatti. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes.
Pheidole metallescens
Metallic Big-headed Ant
Pheidole metallescens is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Emery in 1895. The species exhibits the characteristic dimorphic worker caste system typical of the genus, with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) possessing disproportionately large heads. Two subspecies are recognized: P. m. metallescens and P. m. splendidula. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant tribe Attini.
Pheidole morrisii
Morris' Big-headed Ant
Pheidole morrisii is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Forel in 1886. Like other members of this hyperdiverse genus, it exhibits the characteristic dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) bearing disproportionately enlarged heads. The species belongs to the myrmicine subfamily and is part of the tribe Attini.
Pheidole pelor
Pheidole pelor is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by E.O. Wilson in 2003. It belongs to one of the most diverse ant genera, with over 1,000 species in the New World alone. The species exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism of the genus, with distinct major and minor worker castes. Information regarding its specific biology, distribution, and ecology remains limited in published literature.
Pheidole porcula
Pheidole porcula is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Wheeler in 1908. As a member of this hyperdiverse ant genus, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species is placed within the tribe Attini, though unlike the well-known fungus-growing ants in this tribe, most Pheidole species are generalist foragers. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pheidole sitiens
Pheidole sitiens is a species of big-headed ant described by E.O. Wilson in 2003. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, it exhibits the characteristic dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) bearing disproportionately large heads. The species is part of the Attini tribe within Myrmicinae, placing it among the fungus-growing ants, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Pheidole tepicana
Tepic Big-headed Ant
Pheidole tepicana is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Pergande in 1896. It belongs to the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole, which contains over 1,000 species and is characterized by its dimorphic worker castes. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, placing it within a region of high native ant diversity.
Pheidole tysoni
Tyson's Big-headed Ant
Pheidole tysoni is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Auguste Forel in 1901. As a member of this hyperdiverse ant genus, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species is part of the myrmicine subfamily and is classified within the Attini tribe. Available information about its biology and ecology remains limited in the provided sources.