Dolichoderinae
Guides
Dolichoderini
Dolichoderini is a tribe of ants within the subfamily Dolichoderinae, established by Forel in 1878. The tribe includes the genus Dolichoderus, which has a global distribution. Members of this tribe are characterized by morphological features that distinguish them from other dolichoderine tribes, particularly in mandibular structure and petiole morphology. The tribe represents a well-supported monophyletic group within the ant phylogeny.
Dolichoderus mariae
Mary's Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus mariae is a distinctive North American ant species named after naturalist Mary Treat, who discovered it. The species is notable for its reddish-brown and black bicolored appearance, large polydomous colonies with dozens of nests, and its specialized ecology in prairie and glade habitats where it nests among plant roots. Colonies exhibit dramatic seasonal fluctuations in nest numbers and worker populations, and engage in territorial aggression with neighboring colonies.
Dolichoderus pustulatus
Bog Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus pustulatus is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. Workers exhibit geographic color variation, with southern populations showing orangish-brown heads, antennae, metasoma, and legs with a darker gaster, while northern populations tend toward uniform reddish-brown or dark brown. The species constructs distinctive nests with carton material or under leaf litter in wetland and grassland habitats.
Dolichoderus taschenbergi
Taschenberg's Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus taschenbergi is a North American ant species in the odorous ant subfamily Dolichoderinae. Described by Mayr in 1866, it is endemic to Canada and the United States. The species exhibits sporadic dispersion 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.
Dorymyrmex
pyramid ants, cone ants
Dorymyrmex is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, commonly known as pyramid ants or cone ants. The genus exhibits an amphitropical distribution pattern, with highest diversity concentrated in arid temperate regions of North and South America rather than tropical zones. Phylogenomic studies have identified four major species groups: D. flavescens, tener, wolffhuegeli, and pyramicus groups. The genus has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation, particularly in the pyramicus group, presenting ongoing taxonomic challenges.
Dorymyrmex bicolor
Bicolored Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex bicolor is a small ant species (~2-3 mm) in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, commonly known as the bicolored pyramid ant. It exhibits distinctive two-toned coloration and builds conspicuous crater-shaped nest mounds in bare soil. The species lacks a functional sting and instead relies on chemical defense via a slit-like acidopore. Native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, it is a dominant, disturbance-tolerant species with significant ecological roles in seed dispersal and plant germination. Recent phylogeographic studies indicate complex population structure shaped by topographic barriers and incomplete lineage sorting.
Dorymyrmex bureni
Buren's Pyramid Ant, Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex bureni is a medium-sized ant species in the genus Dorymyrmex, commonly known as pyramid ants. Described by Trager in 1988, this species is native to the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Workers are light orange, fast-moving, and range 2–4 mm in length. The species is distinguished by its crater-shaped nest mounds in sandy soil and a characteristic coconut-like odor emitted when crushed. Unlike the aggressive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), D. bureni is relatively harmless to humans and lacks a functional sting.
Dorymyrmex grandulus
Great Cone Ant, Mousy Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex grandulus, commonly known as the great cone ant or mousy pyramid ant, is a species of ant in the genus Dorymyrmex described by Auguste Forel in 1922. The species is endemic to the United States and belongs to the pyramid ant group, which are characterized by their distinctive conical nest mounds. Like other Dorymyrmex species, they are typically found in open, sandy habitats and are active foragers during warm periods.
Dorymyrmex smithi
Smith's Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex smithi is a species of pyramid ant in the genus Dorymyrmex, described by Cole in 1936. The species is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Pyramid ants are known for their distinctive conical nest mounds and preference for open, dry habitats. Dorymyrmex smithi is part of a genus that exhibits high diversity in the Neotropics and has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation in North America.
Forelius
Forelius is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, distributed across the Neotropical region from the southern United States to Argentina. The genus comprises at least 18 described species, including F. pruinosus, which has been documented as a native mutualist with plants and as a participant in ecological interactions with sea turtle nests. Species in this genus produce characteristic defensive secretions containing iridodial and iridomyrmecin.
Linepithema
Linepithema is a genus of small ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 20 described species. The genus is native to the Neotropics, ranging from northern Mexico through the Caribbean to northern Argentina, with species occurring from sea level to 4,000 meters elevation in the Andes. Two species, L. humile (the Argentine ant) and L. iniquum, have been introduced globally through human activity. L. humile is among the most successful invasive ant species worldwide, forming massive supercolonies in Mediterranean-type climates.
Linepithema humile
Argentine ant
Linepithema humile, the Argentine ant, is a highly invasive species native to northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil. It has become established in Mediterranean climate regions worldwide through human-mediated dispersal. The species forms expansive supercolonies through unicolonial organization, where neighboring colonies cooperate rather than compete. This structure enables rapid population growth and displacement of native ant species. L. humile is considered one of the most ecologically damaging invasive ants globally.
Liometopum occidentale
velvety tree ant, Western Velvety Tree Ant
Liometopum occidentale, commonly known as the velvety tree ant, is a species of ant in the subfamily Dolichoderinae native to western North America. The species is frequently misidentified as carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) due to shared morphological traits including polymorphic workers, a smooth convex thoracic profile, and wood-excavating behavior. This misidentification has led to underreporting of its significance as a structural pest in California, Oregon, and Washington. Colonies are large and polydomous, with worker populations estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals.
Ochetellus
Ochetellus is a genus of small black ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, established by Steve Shattuck in 1992 to accommodate species previously placed in Iridomyrmex. The genus contains seven described species and three subspecies, predominantly native to Australia with some Asian distributions. Several species have been introduced outside their native range, including O. glaber which has established populations in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the continental United States. These ants occupy diverse habitats from sclerophyll woodlands to urban environments.
Ochetellus glaber
black household ant, black house ant, tramp ant, Copper-bellied Ant
Ochetellus glaber is a small ant species native to Australia, widely introduced globally through human commerce. Workers measure 2–3 mm, with queens reaching 5.2–5.5 mm. The species is recognized as a species complex with cryptic diversity, complicating identification and management decisions. It nests arboreally and in structures, forming conspicuous trails to exploit honeydew and food resources. Considered a household pest, it has established populations in Hawaii, Florida, New Zealand, and multiple Asian and Pacific regions.
Tapinoma
Tapinoma is a moderately diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 87 described species (81 extant, 6 fossil) with a crown age estimated at 34–49 million years. Species occur worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, exhibiting generalized foraging behavior and flexible nesting habits. Several species, including T. sessile and T. melanocephalum, are notable as household pests and invasive species associated with human disturbance.
Tapinoma litorale
Odorous Tropical Twig Ant
Tapinoma litorale is a small ant species in the genus Tapinoma, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1905. It is native to various countries in North America, with records from the conterminous United States and San Andrés. The species is commonly known as the Odorous Tropical Twig Ant, suggesting a preference for arboreal or twig-nesting habitats in tropical or subtropical regions.
Tapinoma schreiberi
Tapinoma schreiberi is a species of ant in the genus Tapinoma, described by Hamm in 2010. The species is endemic to the United States. It belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae, a group known for producing defensive secretions and lacking functional stings. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.