Dolichoderinae

Forel, 1878

Odorous Ants

Tribe Guides

is a large and diverse of ants, one of the 'big four' subfamilies containing most diversity. Members are distinguished by a single petiole node (lacking the post-petiole found in Myrmicinae) and a slit-like orifice from which defensive chemical compounds are released. The subfamily includes economically significant such as the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) and the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile), as well as numerous native across tropical and temperate regions worldwide.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichoderinae: //ˌdɒlɪkoʊˈdɛrɪniː//

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Identification

can be distinguished from other by the combination of a single petiole node and a slit-like anal orifice (versus circular in Formicinae). They lack the two-segmented waist of Myrmicinae and the sting possessed by Ponerinae and Myrmicinae. When disturbed, many release distinctive volatile compounds—terpenoids such as iridomyrmecin and iridodial—producing a characteristic odor.

Images

Appearance

Dolichoderine ants possess a single-segmented petiole (no post-petiole), distinguishing them from Myrmicinae which have two petiole segments. They lack a functional sting. The anal orifice is slit-like rather than circular, associated with the production of defensive chemical secretions. Body size ranges from minute (Carebara) to moderately large. Many have smooth, shiny .

Habitat

Dolichoderine ants occupy diverse across all major biogeographic realms. occur in tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, savannas, and arid regions. Many species are arboreal or ground-nesting. The includes both native species in natural and that thrive in human-modified environments such as urban areas, agricultural fields, and disturbed habitats.

Distribution

distribution across Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Australian, and Neotropical regions. Particularly diverse in tropical and subtropical areas.

Diet

Most dolichoderine ants are foragers with a strong preference for liquid foods. primarily consume liquid including honeydew from sap-sucking insects, nectar, and plant exudates. Solid food is processed by larvae; adults receive pre-digested nutrition through . Some are predatory or scavengers.

Life Cycle

Colony foundation typically involves single queens (pleometrosis observed in some ). Colonies can reach large sizes, with some forming extensive supercolonies containing millions of across vast areas. Reproductive emerge for mating , with timing varying by species and climate.

Behavior

Dolichoderine ants are characterized by trail-based foraging using recruitment. Many form large, polydomous colonies with multiple nest sites. Some exhibit unicoloniality, forming supercolonies without intraspecific aggression between nests. Defensive relies on chemical secretions rather than stinging. Some species display specialized predatory behaviors such as coordinated group ambush (observed in Azteca species).

Ecological Role

Dolichoderine ants are significant ecological actors as , scavengers, and tenders of hemipteran honeydew producers. They influence structure through competition and . can disrupt native communities and . Some engage in mutualisms with plants and insects.

Human Relevance

Several are major household and agricultural pests. The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is among the most destructive ants globally, disrupting native and protecting crop pests. The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) and white-footed ant (Technomyrmex albipes) are common nuisance pests. Some species are used in biocontrol or studied for their chemical .

Similar Taxa

MyrmicinaeAlso lacks a sting in many , but distinguished by two-segmented petiole (with post-petiole) versus single petiole in
FormicinaeShares single petiole node, but has circular anal orifice and often possesses acidopore for chemical defense; lacks the slit-like orifice and characteristic terpenoid secretions of
PonerinaePossesses a well-developed sting and typically has different petiole structure; more often solitary or small-colony hunters rather than mass-recruiting foragers

More Details

Chemical defense

Dolichoderine ants produce distinctive terpenoid compounds including iridomyrmecin, isoiridomyrmecin, and iridodial from their anal glands. These compounds are responsible for the characteristic odor when ants are crushed or disturbed, giving rise to the 'odorous ants.'

Phylogenomic research

Recent phylogenomic studies using ultraconserved elements have substantially revised understanding of dolichoderine relationships, more than doubling sampling and revealing novel tribal and generic relationships. The comprises at least 5 tribes and 48 .

Invasive potential

Multiple dolichoderine exhibit traits favorable to invasion, including diet, , unicoloniality, and association with human disturbance. The Argentine ant and related species form a notable clade of pests.