Pheidole rhea

Pheidole rhea is a species of ant and a higher myrmicine in the family Formicidae. It is common in grassy slopes and hills at the bases of mountains.

Diet

Pheidole rhea is known to consume a variety of seeds, as well as various insects.

Distribution

Pheidole rhea is found in the southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. Habitat in Arizona is commonly grassy hills or lower parts of canyons.

Behavior

Pheidole rhea forms large colonies with multiple castes which all aggressively defend the nest. Workers cannot sting, but majors and supermajors have giant mandibles/heads, used for fighting as well as cracking seeds. Bites are generally non-painful but can be irritating. Large trunks trails are formed to harvest seeds and insects from areas nearby the nest.