Dolichoderus doriae

Dolichoderus doriae - "Double-Spined Dolly Ant"

Dolichoderus doriae is a distinctive Australian ant species known for its striking appearance. Workers have a black body with bright yellow legs that strongly contrast, along with elongated spines on the pronotum and propodeum. The first abdominal segment (gaster) is covered in short erect hairs and golden pubescence. Workers measure 1.55-1.71mm in head width, making them a medium-sized ant ^[1]. This species belongs to the doriae group and is endemic to eastern Australia, found in forested areas from dry sclerophyll to wet sclerophyll habitats in New South Wales, ACT, and southern Victoria ^[1][2].

What makes D. doriae particularly interesting is its social structure, this species has evolved ergatoid queens, which are worker-like replacement queens that can take over if the primary queen dies ^[3]. During warm weather, workers and brood form distinctive balls on the ground surface near nest entrances to warm the larvae, a behavior unique to the doriae group ^[3]. They are diurnal foragers that scavenge and tend aphids for honeydew, often moving in trails along the ground and up tree trunks.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Eastern Australia, found in eastern NSW, ACT, and southern Victoria in forested areas ranging from dry sclerophyll to wet sclerophyll. Nests are in soil under rocks, along stone edges, or occasionally in rotten wood and debris at tree bases ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Single-queen colonies with ergatoid (wingless) replacement queens documented. Ergatoid queens can replace the primary queen if she dies, ensuring colony survival ^[3][2].
  • Colony: Monogyne
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Ergatoid queens are worker-like in morphology (not fully dealate) ^[2]. Full queen measurements not specified in available literature.
  • Worker: 1.55-1.71mm head width,1.63-1.81mm head length ^[1].
  • Colony: Colony size data not directly specified. Based on related Dolichoderus species, likely reaches several hundred to a few thousand workers.
  • Growth: Moderate, development timeline not specifically documented for this species.
  • Development: Unknown, no specific development data available for D. doriae. Based on typical Dolichoderus patterns, expect 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature. (Development time is estimated from genus-level data since species-specific research is not available.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature, roughly 20-26°C. This species is adapted to temperate Australian conditions and should tolerate typical indoor temperatures. Provide a gentle temperature gradient if possible.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. Keep nest substrate moist but not waterlogged. They naturally nest in soil under rocks in areas that experience both dry and wet sclerophyll conditions, so they can handle some variation. Mist occasionally and provide a water source.
  • Diapause: Likely yes, as a temperate Australian species, they probably experience reduced activity during cooler months. Consider providing a cool period (around 10-15°C) during winter, but this is inferred from habitat data rather than directly studied.
  • Nesting: Soil nests under flat stones work well, this mimics their natural nesting preference. A naturalistic setup with a layer of soil and flat stones on top allows them to form their characteristic brood-warming balls. Alternatively, a Y-tong or plaster nest with chambers scaled to their medium size works. Avoid completely dry conditions.
• Behavior: D. doriae is a diurnal, generalist forager. Workers scavenge for food and tend aphids for honeydew, foraging in trails along the ground and up tree trunks ^[3]. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend the nest. Escape risk is moderate, they are medium-sized ants but active foragers, so standard barrier methods work well. They show the unique behavior of forming balls with workers and brood on the surface during warm weather to warm the larvae ^[3].
• Common Issues: colonies may fail if kept too dry, they need some moisture in the nest substrate, winter mortality can occur if proper cool period is not provided to match their temperate origin, wild-caught colonies may have parasites that affect survival in captivity, their spiny morphology can make them appear intimidating but they are not aggressive toward keepers, foraging trails mean they may explore outworld extensively, ensure proper barrier setup

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, Dolichoderus doriae nests in soil beneath and along the edges of stones and branches on the ground, or occasionally in rotten wood and debris at the base of trees ^[2]. For captive care, a naturalistic setup works best, a container with a soil layer and flat stones placed on top mimics their natural conditions. This setup also allows you to observe their unique behavior of forming brood-warming balls during warm weather. Alternatively, a Y-tong (acrylic) nest with appropriately sized chambers works well. The chambers should be medium-sized to accommodate their 1.5-1.7mm workers. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, aim for damp soil that doesn't drip. Provide an outworld connected to the nest where foragers can search for food.

Feeding and Diet

Workers are general scavengers and diurnal foragers. They both scavenge for protein and tend aphids and other Hemiptera (sap-sucking insects) for honeydew ^[3]. In captivity, offer a varied diet: protein sources like small crickets, mealworms, or other small insects should be provided regularly. For carbohydrates, offer sugar water, honey, or diluted honey water, these ants will readily accept sweet liquids. Since they naturally tend aphids, they may also accept specialized ant foods containing honeydew. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and provide a constant sugar source. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Dolichoderus doriae originates from temperate southeastern Australia, so they prefer moderate temperatures. Keep the nest area at roughly 20-26°C, room temperature is typically suitable. During warmer weather, they become more active and display their unique brood-warming behavior where workers and larvae form balls on the surface ^[3]. In captivity, you can simulate this by providing a warm spot (around 28°C) on one side of the outworld. For winter, as a temperate species, they likely benefit from a cool period. Reduce temperature to around 10-15°C during winter months, reducing feeding as well. This diapause-like period matches their natural seasonal cycle in NSW and Victoria.

Behavior and Colony Structure

This species has evolved ergatoid queens, worker-like, wingless females that can serve as replacement reproductives if the primary queen dies ^[2]. This means your colony has built-in succession planning! Workers are diurnal and forage in trails along the ground and up tree trunks ^[3]. They are generalists rather than specialized predators. During warm weather, you may observe their characteristic behavior of forming balls with workers and brood on the ground surface near nest entrances, this warms the larvae and speeds development ^[3]. They are not aggressive but will defend the nest if threatened. Their distinctive yellow legs against a black body make them easy to identify.

Escape Prevention and Handling

As medium-sized ants (workers 1.55-1.71mm), D. doriae presents moderate escape risk. They are active foragers that travel in trails, so they will explore any gaps in their enclosure. Use standard barrier methods: Fluon (polytetrafluoroethylene) applied to the inner rim of the outworld works well, or use a barrier of petroleum jelly on smooth surfaces. Ensure all connections between nest and outworld are secure. Unlike some tiny ants that squeeze through mesh, standard ant-keeping setups with tight-fitting lids are sufficient. They are not climbers like some Dolichoderus species, so smooth barrier materials are effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

References