Pheidole (genus)

Pheidole is a large genus of ants known for their distinctive size variation within colonies, called dimorphism. They have two main types of workers: minor workers, which are smaller and handle routine tasks, and major workers, or "soldiers," which are larger and defend the colony. Pheidole ants are highly diverse and widespread globally, often found in soil or leaf litter. They play important roles in ecosystems, such as soil aeration and seed dispersal. Their complex social structure and adaptability make them a significant group in the study of ant behavior and ecology.