Dolichoderus clusor

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Western Australia (Perth area) and South Australia (Adelaide region). Found in Banksia woodland and dry sclerophyll forest, nesting in soil under rocks or in rotten wood ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed for this species. Australian Dolichoderus species typically have single-queen colonies, but specific documentation for D. clusor is lacking.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable for this species.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable, the research provides head width measurements (0.78-0.91mm) but not total body length. Based on the genus, workers are approximately 4-5mm total length.
  • Colony: Colony size is unconfirmed for this specific species.
  • Growth: Growth rate is unconfirmed
  • Development: Development timeline is unconfirmed for this species (Specific development data is not available in the research literature.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature with a gentle gradient. These ants come from temperate Australia (Perth/Adelaide regions) where temperatures are mild. A range of 20-26°C is reasonable based on their native climate.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity. They naturally occur in Banksia woodland and dry sclerophyll, which are relatively dry habitats. Keep nest substrate lightly moist but allow some drying between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
  • Diapause: Diapause requirements are unconfirmed for this species. Australian temperate ants typically need a winter rest period, but specific documentation for D. clusor is lacking.
  • Nesting: Naturalistic setup works well, soil chambers with access to dry areas. They nest in soil under rocks or in rotten wood in the wild. A formicarium with soil substrate and hiding spots mimics their natural environment.
• Behavior: Dolichoderus clusor is a diurnal species that forages in columns on the ground and up tree trunks. Workers are general scavengers and will tend aphids and other hemiptera for honeydew. They are not particularly aggressive but will defend their nest if threatened. Escape prevention is important due to their small size, use tight-fitting lids and fine mesh barriers.
• Common Issues: small size means escapes are likely without fine mesh barriers, limited documentation on captive care requirements, much is inferred from genus patterns, diapause requirements are not specifically documented for this species, limited availability in the antkeeping hobby, queen size and colony size data are unavailable in the research literature

Housing and Nest Setup

Dolichoderus clusor does well in a naturalistic setup that mimics their natural habitat in Banksia woodland. Use a formicarium with soil or a soil-and-sand mixture as the substrate. Provide flat stones or pieces of bark as founding chambers, as they naturally nest under rocks in the wild. A small water tube should be provided, but ensure the nest area stays relatively dry, these ants come from dry sclerophyll habitats where conditions are not humid. Because they are small, ensure your setup has no gaps in the lid or connections to the outworld. A test tube setup can work for founding colonies, but transfer to a naturalistic formicarium once the colony reaches 20-30 workers. ^[1][2]

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Dolichoderus clusor workers are general scavengers that also tend aphids and other hemiptera for honeydew. In captivity, offer a varied diet: sugar water or honey as an energy source, and protein sources like small insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms). Since they naturally tend aphids, they may accept sweet liquids readily. Feed protein 2-3 times per week and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. These ants are diurnal foragers, so offer food during daylight hours when they are most active. ^[2]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep your colony at 20-26°C, which matches the mild temperate climate of their native Perth and Adelaide regions. A slight temperature gradient is beneficial, allow workers to move between warmer and cooler areas of the nest. During the Australian winter (roughly June-August in the Southern Hemisphere), you may reduce temperatures slightly for a diapause period. Do not maintain active colonies year-round at constant high temperatures, this can weaken the colony over time. Monitor your colony for signs of stress and adjust accordingly. ^[1][2]

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Dolichoderus clusor is a diurnal species with active foraging behavior. Workers travel in columns along the ground and up vegetation, searching for food and honeydew. They are not particularly aggressive but will bite if their nest is disturbed. The colony will establish a queen chamber in a protected area of the nest, and workers will expand tunnels as the colony grows. These ants are relatively calm in captivity. Watch for colony growth patterns, once workers begin regularly foraging above ground, the colony is established and growing well. ^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References