Pyramid-ant
Guides
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 flavopectus
Yellow-chested Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex flavopectus is a species of pyramid ant described by Smith in 1944. The species is endemic to Florida, where it is restricted to scrub habitat. It belongs to the genus Dorymyrmex, commonly known as pyramid ants due to their distinctive nest mounds. The specific epithet "flavopectus" refers to the yellowish coloration of the thorax (pectus).
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.