Dolichoderus septemspinosus

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin in South America – found in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia (Meta and Putumayo), Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Venezuela. They nest in rotting wood in both terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forest ^[4][2].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed. Based on typical Dolichoderus patterns, likely monogyne (single queen), but this has not been directly studied.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: ~7–9 mm (inferred from Dolichoderus genus – not directly measured)
  • Worker: ~5–7 mm (inferred from Dolichoderus genus – not directly measured)
  • Colony: Up to several hundred workers (estimated from genus patterns)
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6–10 weeks (estimated based on related Dolichoderus species) (Specific timeline for this species is not documented, estimate assumes optimal tropical temperatures.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 24–28°C year-round. As tropical ants they need stable warmth, use a heating cable on one side if room temperature drops below 24°C. Specific requirements not published, inferred from Amazonian habitat.
  • Humidity: High humidity – 70–85% is ideal. Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide a water source (e.g., a test tube with cotton). Base on their rainforest origin ^[4].
  • Diapause: No – tropical ants from the Amazon basin do not require hibernation. Maintain warm conditions all year.
  • Nesting: Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with multiple chambers work well. Provide rotting wood pieces or cork bark to mimic their natural habitat. They prefer tight, dark chambers.
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers and defend the nest by releasing a pungent secretion from anal glands (typical of Dolichoderinae). They are not aggressive to humans but will defend vigorously. Escape risk is moderate – use standard barrier techniques. Spines provide physical defense.
• Common Issues: tropical temperature requirements mean colonies can fail if kept too cool, high humidity needs can lead to mold if ventilation is inadequate, defensive secretions may leave marks on nest walls when ants feel threatened, limited availability in the hobby, most colonies are wild-caught, founding and queen biology are unstudied, making initial care uncertain

Housing and Nest Setup

Dolichoderus septemspinosus does well in Y-tong (AAC) or plaster nests with multiple connected chambers. These ants naturally nest in rotting wood in tropical forests ^[4], so providing cork bark pieces or small wood fragments helps them feel secure. The chambers should be sized for workers of ~5–7 mm – not too tight, not overly spacious. A test tube setup works for founding, but expect to move them to a proper formicarium once the colony reaches around 20–30 workers. The nest should retain moisture while allowing some ventilation to prevent mold. Place the nest in a dark area, as these ants prefer dim conditions.

Feeding and Diet

Omnivorous. In the wild they hunt small invertebrates and collect honeydew. In captivity, offer protein 2–3 times per week (small crickets, mealworms, fruit flies) and constant access to sugar water or honey water. They also accept fruit. Live prey keeps them active. Remove uneaten food after 24–48 hours to prevent mold. Always provide clean water via a test tube or by moistening the nest substrate.

Temperature and Humidity Management

As tropical Amazon ants, this species needs warm and humid conditions. Keep temperature at 24–28°C all year. Use a heating cable on one side to create a gradient. Humidity should be 70–85% – the nest substrate should feel consistently damp but not waterlogged. Connect a water source (e.g., water tube) or mist regularly. Monitor condensation, some is good, but too much can cause mold. Ventilation helps balance humidity. ^[4]

Behavior and Defense

Like other Dolichoderinae, these ants have anal glands that produce a pungent chemical spray when they feel threatened – this is their main defense. They rarely bite humans. When disturbed, you may notice a distinctive odor. Workers are active foragers and use chemical trails to recruit nestmates to food. Their spiny body also provides physical protection.

Colony Growth and Development

Colony growth is likely moderate. Founding behavior is unconfirmed for this species – based on typical Dolichoderus patterns, queens might be semi-claustral, but this is uncertain. The first workers (nanitics) develop in an estimated 6–10 weeks at 24–28°C, based on related species. Mature colonies probably reach several hundred workers. The three pairs of spines are present in all workers ^[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

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References