Dorymyrmex tener

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Easy
• Origin & Habitat: Native to Chile and Argentina, specifically the Patagonian region from Argentina (Neuquén to Chubut provinces) across to Chile. They are found in open steppe, roadside areas, and even at high altitudes up to 2000-3000 m in Mendoza ^[4]. They typically nest under rocks or in soil ^[2][1].
• Colony Type: Unconfirmed from available research.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Size data unavailable from available literature.
  • Worker: Size data unavailable from available literature.
  • Colony: Colony size unknown from published research, however, field observations note it is numerically dominant and abundant in its range ^[3].
  • Growth: Unknown – likely moderate based on typical Dolichoderinae development.
  • Development: Unconfirmed. (No specific data available for this species.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: As a Patagonian species adapted to cool climates, room temperature (18-24°C) is recommended. Provide a temperature gradient so workers can choose their preferred zone ^[2].
  • Humidity: Low to moderate – they originate from dry steppe environments. Allow the nest substrate to dry partially between waterings to avoid overhumidification.
  • Diapause: Unknown but likely – as a temperate Patagonian species, a winter rest period is advisable. Reduce temperature to around 10-15°C for 3-4 months during the southern hemisphere winter if possible (exact requirements not studied).
  • Nesting: Soil nests under rocks or in open ground. Use a Y-tong or plaster nest with dry to semi-dry substrate, or a naturalistic soil setup. Avoid high humidity.
• Behavior: Aggressive, opportunistic forager. Known for defensive tending of aphids, actively expelling other insects from plants ^[3]. Defends food sources vigorously. Subfamily defense: secretes chemical compounds from a slit-like abdominal opening (smear defense) – no functional sting. Can bite if handled. Escape risk is moderate, standard barrier methods suffice.
• Common Issues: overhumidification causes stress and mold – they prefer dry conditions., lack of proper hibernation may lead to colony decline., aggressive foraging may deplete food sources quickly – ensure consistent feeding., as a ground-nesting species, provide sufficient depth for tunneling behavior.

Natural History and Distribution

Dorymyrmex tener is native to southern South America, ranging from central Argentina (Neuquén,38°S) to Chubut (42.5°S) and across the Andes into Chile ^[2]. It has been recorded at elevations up to 2000-3000 m in Mendoza ^[4]. This species is one of the most ubiquitous and numerically dominant ants in the Patagonian steppe ^[3]. It belongs to the D. tener species group and was formerly classified under the genus Araucomyrmex ^[1]. Workers possess a characteristic psammophore, a basket of hairs under the head used for carrying sand when excavating nests ^[1].

Feeding and Diet

Dorymyrmex tener is an opportunistic generalist. In the wild, it primarily feeds on honeydew from aphids (especially Brachycaudus cardui on thistles) and will also take small insects, spiders, and other arthropods ^[5][6][3]. It actively tends aphids, protecting them from predators in exchange for honeydew ^[3]. In captivity, provide sugar water or honey as a honeydew substitute, along with small live or frozen insects (fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms). Their aggressive nature means they will readily defend protein baits.

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a Patagonian species, Dorymyrmex tener is adapted to cool, seasonal conditions. Room temperature (18-24°C) is suitable for active growth, with a temperature gradient recommended ^[2]. Diapause has not been specifically studied, but given its temperate origin, a winter resting period is likely. During the southern hemisphere winter (approximately May–August), reduce the temperature to 10-15°C for 3-4 months. Avoid keeping colonies warm year-round, as this may shorten their lifespan.

Nesting and Habitat

In the wild, Dorymyrmex tener nests in soil, often under rocks or in open ground ^[2]. Workers use their psammophore to carry sand while excavating ^[1]. For captive care, provide a dry to semi-dry substrate in a Y-tong, plaster, or soil nest. Avoid high humidity – these ants prefer conditions similar to their native steppe environment. A layer of sand or soil in the outworld will encourage natural foraging and tunneling behavior.

Behavior and Colony Dynamics

Dorymyrmex tener is an aggressive and active forager. It is one of the most frequent aphid-tending ants in its range and will aggressively defend aphid colonies from predators, expelling other insects from plants ^[3]. Workers show a strong preference for high-quality honeydew sources and will patrol plants vigorously ^[3]. They are also generalist predators and will defend food resources. As a member of Dolichoderinae, they lack a functional sting but secrete defensive chemicals from the abdomen. Colonies are likely moderate in size, but exact numbers are unknown from literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References