4 replies to this topic

[Hiromilovesmealworms]

I noticed Pheidole species in my grandfather's suburban yard in orange county ca. I live in the Calabasas/woodland hills area.

I was wondering which neighbourhoods would be more 'likely' to have pheidole, and where I would find them. (under stones etc.)

Looking for small colonies.

[antsinvirgina]

I noticed Pheidole species in my grandfather's suburban yard in orange county ca. I live in the Calabasas/woodland hills area.

I was wondering which neighbourhoods would be more 'likely' to have pheidole, and where I would find them. (under stones etc.)

Looking for small colonies  

My experience with Pheidole, I normally find them under flat rocks in the woods. To add, I rarely find them under logs. 

[100lols]

You're probably more likely to find Pheidole species in neighborhoods with diverse vegetation or mostly native vegetation. Also, patios, garden borders, and compost piles can be good places to search for small Pheidole colonies.

I’ve never seen Pheidole in my neighborhood. But I have found a few species around San Diego area.

[ANTdrew]

You're probably more likely to find Pheidole species in neighborhoods with diverse vegetation or mostly native vegetation. Also, patios, garden borders, and compost piles can be good places to search for small Pheidole colonies.

I’ve never seen Pheidole in my neighborhood. But I have found a few species around San Diego area.

I second this. Learning the native vegetation of your area will help you locate all kinds of wildlife, Pheidole included. It will also make you a better naturalist overall. Focus on edge habitats, like where forest meets a clearing, for example, as these areas always have the highest diversity.

[s_tonatiuh]

I noticed Pheidole species in my grandfather's suburban yard in orange county ca. I live in the Calabasas/woodland hills area.
I was wondering which neighbourhoods would be more 'likely' to have pheidole, and where I would find them. (under stones etc.)
Looking for small colonies.

I’d head toward the Topanga Canyon or Upper La Virgenes Canyon areas, they’re nature preserves so you’ll find many more native ants there. In my experience living in the suburbs, all you find here are Argentine ants. But walk 5-10 minutes into an undeveloped area with native plants and you’ll quickly run into solenopsis, pogonomyrmex, veromessor, camponotus, and pheidole! (aka all the interesting stuff!)