Doorkeeper-ant

Guides

• Colobopsis mississippiensis

  Mississippi Gate-keeper Ant

  Colobopsis mississippiensis is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, first described by Smith in 1923. It belongs to a group of ants commonly known as "gate-keeper ants" or "doorkeeper ants," characterized by specialized major workers with enlarged, plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. The species is native to North America, with records from the Mississippi region implied by its specific epithet. Like other members of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, it exhibits caste polymorphism with distinct worker morphologies adapted for different colony functions.

  FormicidaeFormicinaeCamponotinigate-keeper-antdoorkeeper-antcaste-polymorphismNorth-AmericaMississippiplug-shaped-headnest-defensemajor-workerminor-worker

• Colobopsis obliqua

  Oblique Gate-keeper Ant

  Colobopsis obliqua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, first described by Smith in 1930. It belongs to a genus known for specialized defensive behaviors, including the 'exploding ant' phenomenon where minor workers rupture their bodies to release toxic secretions. The species is commonly referred to as the 'Oblique Gate-keeper Ant' due to the characteristic head shape of major workers used to block nest entrances.

  FormicidaeFormicinaeCamponotiniarboreal-anttropicalSoutheast-Asiaworker-polymorphismdoorkeeper-antexploding-ants