Dolichoderus gordoni

Dolichoderus gordoni

Dolichoderus gordoni is a medium-sized ant species native to the forests of south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Workers measure approximately 1.6mm in head length and have distinctive elongated spines on the pronotum and propodeum. They feature short pronotal spines directed anteriorly and roughly parallel to the body's longitudinal axis. The body coloration is a lighter red-brown compared to similar species like D. etus and D. doriae, which are darker. The first gastral segment (the front part of the abdomen) typically lacks hairs but may have a few very small, flat-lying hairs. This species was only described in 2013 and is known from a single collection, making it one of the least studied Australian ants. As with other Australian Dolichoderus species, they are diurnal foragers that scavenge and tend honeydew-producing insects ^[1][2][3].

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, insufficient data for care recommendations
• Origin & Habitat: Forested areas of extreme south-eastern Queensland, Australia. In the wild, Australian Dolichoderus species typically nest in soil under rocks or in rotting wood ^[2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been studied for this species. Based on genus patterns, likely single-queen colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, no queen specimens have been collected or described ^[1]
  • Worker: HL 1.60-1.66mm, HW 1.59-1.64mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists for this species
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available
  • Development: Unknown, no direct observations of development (Based on typical Dolichoderus patterns, expect 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is an estimate only)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown for this species. Based on related Australian Dolichoderus species and Queensland climate, likely tolerate temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C range. Start around 22-26°C and observe colony behavior.
  • Humidity: Unknown for this species. Based on typical Australian forest habitat preferences, likely require moderate humidity (50-70%) with a moist nest substrate. Avoid overly dry conditions.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no studies on overwintering behavior exist for this species. Queensland has mild winters, so a true diapause may not be required, but related species from cooler Australian regions may need a cool period.
  • Nesting: In the wild, Australian Dolichoderus species nest in soil under rocks or in rotten wood ^[2]. For captivity, a Y-tong (AAC) nest, plaster nest, or naturalistic setup with soil and flat stones works well. Provide damp substrate that stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Behavior: Based on genus-level observations, these ants are diurnal (active during the day) and are general scavengers. They tend aphids and other Hemiptera for honeydew and often forage in columns along the ground or on low vegetation and trees ^[2]. Workers are likely moderately aggressive when defending the nest but not particularly territorial. Escape risk is moderate given their 1.6mm size, standard barrier precautions should suffice. They likely accept sugar water and honeydew but also need protein from small insects.
• Common Issues: this species has never been kept in captivity, no established care protocols exist, the complete lack of biological data means all recommendations are estimates based on genus behavior, slow growth is likely given limited data and the species' rarity, wild-caught colonies may be nearly impossible to obtain since the species is known from only a single collection, queens have never been collected or described, founding a colony from wild queens may not be possible

Species Discovery and Rarity

Dolichoderus gordoni was only described in 2013 by Steven Shattuck and Sharon Marsden, making it one of the newest described Australian ant species. It is known from a single collection in the forested areas of extreme south-eastern Queensland. This extreme rarity means almost nothing is known about its biology in the wild, we don't know colony sizes, queen behavior, nuptial flight timing, or any aspects of their natural history. The species was identified primarily through morphological differences from similar species like D. etus and D. doriae. For antkeepers, this means you will essentially be pioneering captive care for this species if successful. Expect a learning curve and be prepared to document your observations carefully. ^[1]

Identification and Distinguishing Features

Workers of Dolichoderus gordoni can be identified by their distinctive spines. They have elongated spines on both the pronotum (the first segment of the thorax) and propodeum (the last thoracic segment). The pronotal spines are short and directed forward, running roughly parallel to the body's length. In dorsal view, a line drawn between the spine tips would intersect the pronotal collar. The first gastral tergite (the front face of the abdomen) is mostly hairless but may have a few very tiny, flat-lying hairs. The overall body color is a lighter red-brown, which distinguishes it from similar species like D. etus and D. doriae, which are darker brown-black. The pronotal spines are shorter and straighter than those of D. etus, which has longer spines with a distinct curve near the base ^[1].

Nest Preferences

While specific nesting behavior for D. gordoni is unknown, other Australian Dolichoderus species nest in soil, typically under rocks or in rotting wood ^[2]. For captive care, provide a nest setup that mimics these conditions. A Y-tong (AAC) nest works well for medium-sized ants, or you could use a plaster nest with chambers scaled to their 1.6mm worker size. A naturalistic setup with a soil layer and flat stones or pieces of rotting wood on top allows them to create their own chambers. The substrate should be kept damp but not waterlogged, aim for moisture similar to a forest floor that has dried slightly on the surface but remains damp underneath.

Feeding and Diet

Based on genus-level observations, Australian Dolichoderus species are general scavengers that also tend aphids and other Hemiptera (sap-sucking insects) for honeydew ^[2]. They forage in columns along the ground and on low vegetation. For captive care, offer a varied diet including sugar water or honey as an energy source, and protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworms). Since they naturally tend honeydew-producing insects, they likely have a sweet tooth, honey water should be accepted readily. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold.

Foraging Behavior

Australian Dolichoderus species are diurnal (active during the day) and often forage in columns along the ground or on low vegetation and trees ^[2]. This suggests D. gordoni would be most active during daylight hours and may show predictable foraging patterns. They are general scavengers, meaning they will explore and collect various food sources. In captivity, you should expect to see most activity during the day, particularly in the morning and afternoon. Provide an outworld (foraging area) that gives them space to patrol and explore. A foraging arena of at least 10-15cm diameter allows workers to establish patrol routes.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature or seasonal data exists for D. gordoni. However, being from south-eastern Queensland (a subtropical region), they likely prefer warmer conditions with moderate humidity. Queensland has mild winters, so a true hibernation (diapause) may not be necessary, but related species from cooler Australian regions may benefit from a cool period in winter. Start with temperatures in the 22-26°C range and observe colony activity, if workers become sluggish, slightly warmer temperatures may help. If they avoid the heated areas of the nest, reduce temperature. Monitor their behavior throughout the year to establish their preferences in your specific setup.

Challenges and Considerations

This species presents significant challenges for antkeepers. It has never been kept in captivity, so there are no established care protocols or success stories to learn from. The species is known from only a single collection, meaning wild colonies are extremely rare and may be protected. Obtaining a founding queen would be exceptionally difficult since they have never been collected or described. If you do obtain this species, you are essentially conducting original research. Document everything, temperatures, humidity levels, feeding responses, growth rates, and behavior. Your observations could contribute significantly to what we know about this species. Consider connecting with Australian ant enthusiasts or researchers who may have additional knowledge about this rare species. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References