Dolichoderus taschenbergi

(Mayr, 1866)

Taschenberg's Odorous Ant

Dolichoderus taschenbergi is a North American in the odorous ant Dolichoderinae. Described by Mayr in 1866, it is to Canada and the United States. The species exhibits sporadic patterns and has been studied for its mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing hemipterans. Colony structure may include polygynous nesting patterns, though this requires further research.

Dolichoderus taschenbergi by (c) Jonghyun Park, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jonghyun Park. Used under a CC-BY license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichoderus taschenbergi: //ˌdɒlɪˈkoʊdərəs ˌtæʃənˈbɜrɡaɪ//

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Images

Habitat

Found in forested environments in southwestern Pennsylvania, where it has been studied extensively. Specific microhabitat preferences beyond general woodland settings are not well documented.

Distribution

to Canada and the United States. Documented in southwestern Pennsylvania; broader distribution details within its North American range are sparse.

Diet

Collects honeydew from tuliptree (Toumeyella liriodendri) and pine aphids; also exploits less abundant honeydew sources. The is a specialized trophobiont, actively tending these hemipteran partners.

Host Associations

Toumeyella liriodendri - mutualisttuliptree scale; ants increase survival from 8.2% to 46.8% by interfering with and
pine aphids - mutualisthoneydew source; specific not identified in available sources

Behavior

Uses well-defined, persistent foraging trails. Actively tends honeydew-producing insects, providing protection from natural enemies in exchange for resources. Displays protective that significantly enhances survival rates of tended scale insects. Colony founding mechanism remains unclear; may exhibit polygynous nesting patterns.

Ecological Role

Acts as a protective mutualist with hemipteran honeydew producers. By interfering with and , the substantially increases survival of tended , potentially influencing local structure and forest pest dynamics.