Question 1

Can I keep Dolichoderus tertiarius as a pet?

Accepted Answer

No. Dolichoderus tertiarius is an extinct species known only from Eocene Baltic amber fossils (44-49 million years old). No living colonies exist anywhere on Earth. While fossil specimens are sometimes sold as amber pieces, these are display specimens, not living organisms.

Question 2

Where can I find Dolichoderus tertiarius fossils?

Accepted Answer

Authentic specimens are occasionally found in Baltic amber jewelry and fossil collections. However, be cautious of replicas and fakes. True Baltic amber fossils come from deposits in the Baltic region of Northern Europe and are approximately 44-49 million years old.

Question 3

What did Dolichoderus tertiarius look like?

Accepted Answer

Workers were 3-4mm in length with a smooth, shiny mesosoma and a distinctive petiole shape. The propodeum had a flat dorsal surface with a deeply concave posterior area. Many specimens showed small pits on the cheeks and sometimes on the back of the head [1].

Question 4

What is the closest living species to Dolichoderus tertiarius?

Accepted Answer

Modern Dolichoderus species in the same genus are the closest living relatives. These include various Asian, Australian, and North American Dolichoderus species. They share the general dolichoderine body plan but evolved separately for tens of millions of years.

Question 5

When did Dolichoderus tertiarius live?

Accepted Answer

This species lived during the Late Eocene epoch, approximately 44-49 million years ago. At that time, the Earth was much warmer than today, and what is now Northern Europe was covered by subtropical forests [1][2].

Question 6

Are there other fossil ants that can be kept?

Accepted Answer

No. All fossil ants are extinct species preserved in amber or rock. No living specimens exist. The antkeeping hobby focuses exclusively on keeping living ant species that can form colonies and be observed in captivity.

Question 7

What did Dolichoderus tertiarius eat?

Accepted Answer

This cannot be confirmed from fossil evidence, but modern Dolichoderus species are omnivorous, they feed on honeydew from aphids and scale insects, collect nectar, and hunt small insects. The Eocene ancestors likely had similar diets.

Question 8

How common is Dolichoderus tertiarius in Baltic amber?

Accepted Answer

It was one of the most common ant species found in Late Eocene ambers, appearing in Baltic, Bitterfeld, Rovno, and Scandinavian amber deposits [1][2]. Its relative abundance in different amber collections ranged from 0.41% to 5.54% depending on the deposit [3].

Question 9

Where is Dolichoderus tertiarius found?

Accepted Answer

Dolichoderus tertiarius is found in 2 countries, including Russian Federation, Sweden.

Question 10

What is the colony form of Dolichoderus tertiarius?

Accepted Answer

The colony form of Dolichoderus tertiarius is not specified.

Question 11

How do I cite AntScout data?

Accepted Answer

To cite this documentation, use: AntScout. (2026). Dolichoderus tertiarius Species Profile. Retrieved from https://antscout.com/species/dolichoderus-tertiarius

Dolichoderus tertiarius

Dolichoderus tertiarius Overview

No caresheet needed

No specimens available

Literature

Not applicable