Dorymyrmex biconis

Dorymyrmex biconis

Dorymyrmex biconis is a small dolichoderine ant native to northern South America, found from Venezuela through Colombia and Peru into Brazil. Workers measure 2.8-3.0mm and are uniformly reddish-brown with a distinctive feature: two prominent tubercles on the mesosoma (the middle body section), one on the metanotum and another on the propodeum. This double-tubercle pattern makes them easily identifiable among Dorymyrmex species. Queens are larger at 2.04-2.32mm WL and darker in color. These ants are highly adaptable, thriving from sea level to over 2300m elevation, and are particularly common in disturbed urban areas across the Colombian Caribbean region. Colonies are polydomous, meaning they maintain multiple connected nests, with typical colonies containing 100-200 workers and multiple reproductive queens.

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Northern South America, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Found from sea level to 2300m elevation, more common in lowlands. Nests in warm, sunny soil areas devoid of vegetation, including urban environments, dry forests, and mangroves ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Polydomous colonies with multiple queens, colonies can have 10-15 alate queens and maintain 2-3 nests within a 10m² area. Only one nest typically contains reproductives while others are satellite nests ^[1][3].
  • Colony: Optionally polygyne
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 1.10-1.16mm head length,2.04-2.32mm mesosoma length (WL) ^[1]
  • Worker: 2.8-3.0mm total length ^[1]
  • Colony: 100-200 workers typical, up to several hundred ^[1][3]
  • Growth: Moderate, based on typical dolichoderine development patterns
  • Development: 6-8 weeks (estimated based on related Dolichoderinae species) (Development time is estimated, no specific study found for this species. Related dolichoderines typically develop in 6-8 weeks at warm temperatures.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at 24-30°C. These are warm-climate ants native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America. A heating cable on one side of the nest creates a gradient they can regulate themselves ^[1].
  • Humidity: Low to moderate. In the wild they nest in dry to moderately moist soil in warm areas. Allow the nest substrate to dry partially between waterings, aim for lightly damp conditions, not saturated ^[1].
  • Diapause: No, as a tropical species, they do not require hibernation. Maintain warm temperatures year-round ^[1].
  • Nesting: Use a dry, warm nest setup. They prefer simple soil nests in warm areas, a Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster nest works well. Provide a small sand area in the outworld for their natural mound-building behavior. Avoid humid, damp setups ^[1].
• Behavior: Generally calm and non-aggressive. Workers are active foragers that search for sugary liquids and small insects. They do not have a stinger but can emit defensive chemicals from their anal gland. They are moderate escape artists, use standard barrier precautions but their 3mm size is not as problematic as tiny species. Colonies are polydomous and may establish satellite nests, which is normal behavior ^[1][3].
• Common Issues: colonies may refuse to establish in overly humid nests, provide dry, warm conditions, polydomous behavior means they may try to expand into multiple areas, give them space, as tropical ants, cold temperatures below 20°C can slow or stop brood development, wild-caught colonies may have parasites, quarantine and observe new colonies

Housing and Nest Setup

Dorymyrmex biconis does well in warm, relatively dry nest setups. A Y-tong (AAC) nest or plaster formicarium works well, these materials hold humidity without becoming saturated. The key is providing warmth (24-30°C) and keeping the nest relatively dry. In the wild, they nest in soil devoid of vegetation in very warm areas, so avoid damp, humid conditions. Provide a small sand area in the outworld where workers can exhibit their natural mound-building behavior, they create small sand mounds around their nest entrance in nature. Test tube setups work for founding colonies but may need upgrading as the colony grows. Escape prevention is moderate, workers are 3mm so standard barriers work well, but check for gaps regularly. ^[1][3]

Feeding and Diet

Like other Dorymyrmex species, these ants are omnivorous with a preference for sugary liquids. Offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup as a constant carbohydrate source. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, small crickets, or mealworm pieces. Workers also collect honeydew from aphids if present. In their natural nests, researchers have found insect remains including Bruchidae beetles and dead thrips in their food storage chambers, confirming they scavenge small insects. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep sugar water available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature Requirements

These are warm-climate ants that require temperatures in the 24-30°C range for optimal activity and brood development. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of northern South America where temperatures are consistently warm. In captivity, maintain a warm nest area using a heating cable placed on one side of the nest to create a temperature gradient. This allows workers to regulate their own temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Temperatures below 20°C will slow their activity and may halt brood development entirely. Room temperature (around 22-24°C) is acceptable but warmer is better for active growth. ^[1]

Colony Structure and Behavior

Dorymyrmex biconis has a fascinating polydomous colony structure, colonies maintain multiple nests connected by workers. A single colony can have 2-3 nests within about 10m², but only one nest contains the queens and reproductives. The other nests are satellite colonies where workers live and may raise brood. Queens can fly outside the main colony to establish new satellite nests, which explains the multiple-nest arrangement. Colonies typically contain 10-15 alate (winged) queens,8-10 males, and 100-200 workers. This multi-queen system is stable and natural, you do not need to separate queens. Workers are active foragers and will readily explore their outworld for food. ^[1][3]

Unique Identification Features

The most distinctive feature of Dorymyrmex biconis is the pair of tubercles on its mesosoma. These are small raised bumps, one on the metanotum (the section behind the middle body segment) pointing backward, and another on the propodeum (the rear section) pointing upward. This double-tubercle pattern is shared with only a few related species (D. bituber, D. pulchellus, and D. tuberosus). Workers are uniformly reddish-brown, while queens are darker. Males are dark brown to black. The worker size of 2.8-3.0mm is small but not tiny, making them easy to handle and observe. ^[1]

Seasonal Care

As a tropical species from northern South America, Dorymyrmex biconis does not require hibernation or diapause. Maintain warm temperatures year-round. They are active throughout the year in their native range and will remain active in captivity if kept warm. There is no specific data on nuptial flight timing, but in the tropics flights likely occur during warm, humid periods. If you have alate reproductives, provide them space to fly and consider providing a mating chamber or allowing them to fly in a secure area if you wish to attempt founding new colonies. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

References