Dolichoderus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Formicoidea
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Dolichoderinae
Tribe: Dolichoderini
Genus: Dolichoderus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichoderus: //ˌdɒlɪˈkoʊdərəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Dolichoderus (Hypoclinea) parvus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Dolichoderus (Hypoclinea) laotius by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Dolichoderus taschenbergi var. gagates by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Dolichoderus (Hypoclinea) ypsilon var. rufotibialis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Dolichoderus shattucki by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Dolichoderus is a genus of ants recognized for their distinctive morphology and nesting behaviors. With a global distribution, they exhibit diverse ecological roles and social structures.

Physical Characteristics

Worker ants in this genus typically have a body length of about four millimeters and are recognized by their thick, inflexible, and strongly sculptured integument. They have a saw-like flange on the underside of the head near the base of the mandibles, a deeply impressed longitudinal suture in the central plate of the metathorax, and a distinctly concave posterior face of the propodeum. The gaster and alitrunk are separated by a single segment, the petiole, and the cloacal orifice is a horizontal slit, surrounded by stiff bristles.

Identification Tips

Look for thick, inflexible bodies with a strongly sculptured integument. The presence of a saw-like flange on the head and the shape of the cloacal orifice can also aid in identification.

Habitat

Dolichoderus ants construct colonies in soil, curled leaves, hollow stems of plants, and in cartons made by chewing wood and mixing it with secretions.

Distribution

Found worldwide, in all continents except Antarctica.

Diet

These ants tend to sap-sucking insects such as aphids and scale insects that excrete honeydew and also feed on small arthropods.

Life Cycle

Colonies vary in size and may contain several queens in some species, implying different social structures such as polygyny. Certain species exhibit behaviors akin to temporary social parasitism.

Reproduction

Polygynous behavior is noted in species like Dolichoderus plagiatus and Dolichoderus taschenbergi, where multiple queens may share a nest.

Ecosystem Role

Dolichoderus ants play a role in their ecosystem as tenders of sap-sucking insects, which can affect local plant health and dynamics. They also contribute to soil processes through their nesting habits.

Evolution

Dolichoderus has undergone taxonomy revisions where it had former genera classified under it as junior synonyms.