Dolichoderus bidens

Dolichoderus bidens

Dolichoderus bidens is a large, aggressive arboreal ant native to the Neotropical region, found from Colombia to southern Brazil. Workers measure around 9.5mm and have a distinctive appearance with brownish-black bodies, reddish legs and antennae, and large red-golden spots on the abdomen. These ants are territorial dominants in tree canopies, building distinctive carton nests under leaves that can cover single or multiple leaves. Colonies are polydomous, meaning they maintain multiple interconnected nests across different branches. They are active 24/7 and aggressively defend their host trees against intruders including leaf-cutter ants and army ants. This species is known for producing an audible alarm signal by tapping its abdomen against the substrate when threatened.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Neotropical region, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Found in pioneer formations, secondary forests, and plantations ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Polydomous colonies with multiple queens, colonies can reach a few thousand workers across dozens of interconnected carton nests ^[1][2].
  • Colony: Optionally polygyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 6-7mm based on genus patterns
  • Worker: Approximately 9.5mm ^[3]
  • Colony: A few thousand workers ^[1]
  • Growth: Moderate, based on tropical arboreal ant patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-8 weeks at tropical temperatures based on genus patterns (Development time inferred from related Dolichoderus species, actual timeline unconfirmed for this specific species)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-28°C. These are tropical ants requiring warm, stable conditions. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient.
  • Humidity: High humidity, aim for 70-80%. As arboreal ants, they prefer humid conditions but the nest should not be waterlogged. Mist occasionally and provide a water tube.
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation. Maintain consistent temperatures year-round.
  • Nesting: Arboreal species requiring vertical space and climbing structures. Provide a formicarium with multiple connected chambers or a naturalistic setup with leaves and branches. Y-tong nests with multiple chambers work well. They build carton nests so provide materials like paper or cardboard strips for nest construction.
• Behavior: Extremely aggressive and territorial. Workers defend the nest fiercely and will attack any perceived threat. They are active 24/7 and forage in tree canopies. They produce audible alarm signals by tapping their abdomen. Escape prevention is important, while not tiny, they are agile and determined. They feed primarily on honeydew but also hunt insects.
• Common Issues: aggressive behavior makes them difficult to handle, use caution when maintaining the nest, polydomous nature requires more space than single-nest species, need multiple connected chambers, tropical humidity requirements can lead to mold issues if ventilation is poor, audible alarm signals may startle keepers, tapping abdomen when disturbed, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that affect survival in captivity

Housing and Nest Setup

Dolichoderus bidens is an arboreal ant requiring vertical space and climbing structures. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest with multiple connected chambers works well, or you can create a naturalistic setup with artificial leaves and branches. Because they are polydomous (maintaining multiple nests), provide several connected chambers or areas. Include materials like small paper strips or cardboard pieces, they will use these to build their characteristic carton nests. The outworld should have plenty of climbing structures and vertical space. Use a water tube for humidity but avoid flooding the nest area. Escape prevention is important, while not tiny, they are agile and determined climbers. ^[2]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, D. bidens feeds primarily on honeydew from Homoptera (aphids, scale insects, and related bugs) and hunts insect prey in tree crowns. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey as a constant energy source. For protein, provide small live insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworms. They are active hunters so prey items should be offered regularly. Some keepers report they will accept protein baits. Feed every 2-3 days, removing uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. ^[2][1]

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical species from the Amazon and surrounding regions, D. bidens requires warm and humid conditions. Keep temperatures between 24-28°C. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a suitable gradient. Humidity should be maintained at 70-80%. These ants are accustomed to the humid rainforest environment, the nest substrate should be moist but not waterlogged. Mist occasionally and provide a water tube. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 20°C. ^[1]

Behavior and Temperament

This is an extremely aggressive and territorial species. Workers defend their nest fiercely and will attack any perceived threat. They are known to produce an audible alarm by tapping their abdomen against the substrate when disturbed, this is a distinctive behavioral trait. They are active 24/7 and maintain constant patrols of their territory. In the wild, they defend their host trees from leaf-cutter ants and army ants. When working with this species, use caution and avoid sudden movements. They are not suitable for keepers who want a hands-off approach or want to observe their colony frequently without disturbing it. ^[2]

Colony Structure and Growth

D. bidens forms polydomous colonies, meaning the colony maintains multiple interconnected carton nests rather than a single nest. Colonies can reach a few thousand workers. Each carton nest is built under host tree leaves, covering part or all of a leaf's surface or enveloping multiple contiguous leaves. Workers build these nests using wood pulp from dead tree trunks, reinforced with fungal mycelia. In captivity, you should provide multiple connected chambers to accommodate this polydomous structure. Growth is moderate, expect several months to a year before seeing significant colony growth from a founding queen. ^[2][1]

Seasonal Care and Nuptial Flights

As a tropical species, D. bidens does not require hibernation or diapause. Maintain consistent temperatures year-round. Nuptial flights occur in January, February, March, November, and December, with strong dependence on rainfall patterns. If you are trying to establish a colony from a newly mated queen, be aware that flight season corresponds to rainy season in their native range. Keep conditions stable and humid during what would be their breeding season.

Frequently Asked Questions

References