Dolichoderus clusor

Dolichoderus clusor

Dolichoderus clusor is a small to medium-sized ant native to Australia, found in two widely separated populations near Perth, Western Australia and Adelaide, South Australia. Workers measure 0.78-0.91mm in head width and have a distinctive appearance: a brownish-red body with a darker head and black gaster. The pronotum is notably smooth and shiny, which distinguishes this species from similar Australian Dolichoderus. They are among the most common ants in the Hypoclinea group in Banksia woodland areas around Perth ^[1]. These ants are diurnal foragers that scavenge and tend aphids for honeydew, often traveling in columns along the ground or up tree trunks ^[2].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Western Australia (Perth area) and South Australia (Adelaide region). Found in Banksia woodland and dry sclerophyll forest, nesting in soil under rocks or in rotten wood ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Likely monogyne (single queen colonies). This follows the typical pattern for Australian Dolichoderus species, though colony structure has not been specifically documented for this species.
  • Colony: Monogyne
  • Founding: Claustral
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Approximately 6-7mm (estimated based on genus patterns)
  • Worker: 0.78-0.91mm head width, approximately 4-5mm total length ^[3]
  • Colony: Unknown for this specific species, but related Dolichoderus species typically reach several hundred workers
  • Growth: Moderate, based on typical Dolichoderus development patterns
  • Development: Estimated 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature (inferred from genus patterns) (Development time is not specifically documented for this species. Estimates based on typical Dolichoderus genus development.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 22-26°C. These ants come from temperate Australia (Perth/Adelaide regions) where temperatures are mild. A gentle gradient allowing them to move between warmer and cooler areas is ideal.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. They naturally occur in Banksia woodland and dry sclerophyll, which are relatively dry habitats. Keep nest substrate lightly moist but allow some drying between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
  • Diapause: Likely required. Australian temperate ants typically need a winter rest period. Provide 2-3 months at 10-15°C during winter.
  • Nesting: Naturalistic setup works well, soil chambers with access to dry areas. They nest in soil under rocks or in rotten wood in the wild. A formicarium with soil substrate and hiding spots mimics their natural environment.
• Behavior: Dolichoderus clusor is a diurnal species that forages in columns on the ground and up tree trunks. Workers are general scavengers and will tend aphids and other hemiptera for honeydew. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest if threatened. Escape prevention is important due to their small size, use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh barriers. They are active foragers that benefit from regular feeding schedules.
• Common Issues: small size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers, limited documentation on captive care requirements, much is inferred from genus patterns, diapause requirements are not specifically documented for this species, slow colony growth may frustrate beginners expecting rapid development, limited availability in the antkeeping hobby

Housing and Nest Setup

Dolichoderus clusor does well in a naturalistic setup that mimics their natural habitat in Banksia woodland. Use a formicarium with soil or a soil-and-sand mixture as the substrate. Provide flat stones or pieces of bark as founding chambers, as they naturally nest under rocks in the wild. A small water tube should be provided, but ensure the nest area stays relatively dry, these ants come from dry sclerophyll habitats where conditions are not humid. Because they are small (workers around 4-5mm), ensure your setup has no gaps in the lid or connections to the outworld. A test tube setup can work for founding colonies, but transfer to a naturalistic formicarium once the colony reaches 20-30 workers. ^[1][2][3]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Dolichoderus clusor workers are general scavengers that also tend aphids and other hemiptera for honeydew. In captivity, offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey as an energy source, and protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms). Since they naturally tend aphids, they may accept sweet liquids readily. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. These ants are diurnal foragers, so offer food during daylight hours when they are most active. ^[2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep your colony at 22-26°C, which matches the mild temperate climate of their native Perth and Adelaide regions. A slight temperature gradient is beneficial, allow workers to move between warmer and cooler areas of the nest. During the Australian winter (roughly June-August in the Southern Hemisphere), reduce temperatures to 10-15°C for a diapause period of 2-3 months. This winter rest is important for colony health and may trigger reproductive behavior in the following season. Do not attempt to maintain active colonies year-round without a rest period, this can weaken the colony over time. ^[1][2]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Dolichoderus clusor is a diurnal species with active foraging behavior. Workers travel in columns along the ground and up vegetation, searching for food and honeydew. They are not particularly aggressive but will bite if their nest is disturbed. The colony will establish a queen chamber in a protected area of the nest, and workers will expand tunnels as the colony grows. These ants are relatively calm in captivity and do not exhibit extreme escape artist behavior compared to some smaller species, but their small size still requires attention to escape prevention. Watch for colony growth patterns, once workers begin regularly foraging above ground, the colony is established and growing well. ^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

References