Dolichoderus gordoni

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, insufficient data for care recommendations
• Origin & Habitat: Forested areas of extreme south-eastern Queensland, Australia ^[1]. Other Australian Dolichoderus species nest in soil under rocks or in rotting wood ^[3].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed, colony structure has not been studied. Based on genus patterns in Australian Dolichoderus, likely single-queen (monogyne) colonies.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, no queen specimens have been collected or described ^[1]
  • Worker: Head length 1.60-1.66mm, total body length not provided in literature ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, no colony size data exists
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available
  • Development: Unknown, no direct observations. Based on typical Dolichoderus patterns, expect roughly 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature, but this is only an estimate (No verified timeline exists)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unknown for this species. Based on related Australian Dolichoderus species and the subtropical Queensland climate, likely tolerate low-to-mid 20s°C. Start around 22-26°C and observe colony behavior.
  • Humidity: Unknown for this species. Based on typical Australian forest habitat preferences, likely require a moist nest substrate. Keep the nesting area damp but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no studies on overwintering behavior. Queensland has mild winters, so true diapause may not be required. Related species from cooler areas may need a cool period, proceed with caution.
  • Nesting: In the wild, Australian Dolichoderus species nest in soil under rocks or in rotten wood ^[3]. For captivity, use a Y-tong (AAC), plaster, or naturalistic setup with soil and flat stones. Provide damp substrate that stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Behavior: Based on genus observations, these ants are diurnal and forage in columns on the ground or low vegetation. They are general scavengers and also tend aphids and other Hemiptera for honeydew ^[3]. Workers may bite if disturbed but are unlikely to be aggressive toward keepers. Escape risk is moderate given their small size (head length ~1.6mm), standard barriers should work.
• Common Issues: this species has never been kept in captivity, no established care protocols exist, the complete lack of biological data means all recommendations are estimates based on genus behavior, queens have never been collected or described, founding a colony from wild queens may not be possible, wild colonies are extremely rare (known from a single collection), making specimens nearly unobtainable

Discovery and Rarity

Dolichoderus gordoni was described in 2013 by Steven Shattuck and Sharon Marsden based on a single collection from forest in extreme south-eastern Queensland, Australia ^[1]. It is one of the least studied Australian ants. No queens or males have ever been collected, and nothing is known about its biology in the wild, colony sizes, nuptial flight timing, and natural history remain complete mysteries. The species was identified by morphological differences from similar species like Dolichoderus etus and Dolichoderus doriae. For antkeepers, obtaining this species would be extremely difficult, and any captive care would be pioneering work with no precedents to follow.

Identification and Distinguishing Features

Workers of Dolichoderus gordoni have distinctive spines: elongated spines on both the pronotum (first thorax segment) and propodeum (last thorax segment). The pronotal spines are short and point forward, running roughly parallel to the body's length. In top view, a line between the spine tips would cross the pronotal collar. The first segment of the abdomen is almost hairless except for a few tiny, flat-lying hairs. The body is a lighter red-brown, unlike the darker brown-black of Dolichoderus etus and Dolichoderus doriae. The pronotal spines are shorter and straighter than those of Dolichoderus etus, which has longer spines with a distinct curve near the base ^[1][2].

Nest Preferences

No nesting information exists specifically for Dolichoderus gordoni. Based on other Australian Dolichoderus species, they nest in soil, usually under rocks or in rotting wood ^[3]. For captive care, use a nest type that mimics these conditions. Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests work well, with chambers sized for the small workers. Alternatively, a naturalistic setup with soil and flat stones or pieces of rotting wood allows them to dig their own chambers. Keep the substrate damp but not waterlogged, aim for moisture like a forest floor that has dried slightly on top but stays damp underneath.

Feeding and Diet

Based on genus observations, Australian Dolichoderus species are general scavengers that also tend aphids and other Hemiptera for honeydew ^[3]. They likely have a sweet tooth. In captivity, provide sugar water or honey for energy and protein from small insects such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or mealworms. Feed protein 2-3 times a week and keep sugar water available continuously. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent mold. Place food in a consistent location in the foraging area, as they may establish foraging trails.

Foraging Behavior

Australian Dolichoderus species are diurnal (active during the day) and often forage in columns along the ground or on low vegetation and trees ^[3]. This suggests Dolichoderus gordoni would be most active in daylight hours, with predictable patrol routes. They are general scavengers that explore and collect various food sources. In captivity, expect most activity during the day, especially morning and afternoon. Provide an outworld at least 10-15 cm in diameter so workers can establish patrol routes.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

No specific temperature or seasonal data exists for Dolichoderus gordoni. Because it comes from subtropical south-eastern Queensland, it likely prefers warm conditions with moderate humidity. Queensland has mild winters, so true hibernation (diapause) may not be necessary. Start with temperatures in the 22-26°C range and watch the colony. If workers become sluggish, try slightly warmer, if they avoid heated areas, reduce temperature. Monitor their behavior through the year to determine their preferences.

Challenges and Considerations

This species is extremely challenging for antkeepers. It has never been kept in captivity, so no care protocols or success stories exist. The species is known from only one collection, meaning wild colonies are exceptionally rare and possibly protected. Obtaining a founding queen would be nearly impossible since queens have never been collected or described. If you manage to obtain this species, you would be conducting original research. Document everything, temperature, humidity, feeding responses, growth, behavior. Your observations could greatly contribute to scientific knowledge. Try connecting with Australian ant enthusiasts or researchers who may have additional information. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References