Dolichoderinae (subfamily of Formicidae)

The subfamily Dolichoderinae is one of four major species-rich subfamilies of ants, the others being Formicinae, Myrmicinae and Ponerinae. It is found world-wide and includes some of the world's most invasive species, including Linepithema humile (the Argentine ant), Tapinoma melanocephalum, Technomyrmex albipes and Technomyrmex difficilis. In Australia, the subfamily includes important genera such as Iridomyrmex, Anonychomyrma, Ochetellus, Papyrius and Dolichoderus.

All Dolichoderines lack a sting, but are armed with defensive compounds produced by the anal gland - a structure unique to the subfamily. This is the source of the pungent, and often unpleasant odors produced by many species when they are disturbed, crushed or otherwise annoyed. In many species colonies may be polygynous and/or polydomous. Some are predaceous, but most appear to be generalized scavengers with a strong liking for carbohydrates taken directly or indirectly from plant sources. In addition to founding colonies via single newly mated queens, some produce new colonies by budding or fission. Most Dolichoderines are free-living; a few are social parasites on other members of their subfamily.

Identification

The mesosoma is attached to the gaster by a single distinct segment, the petiole. The gaster is smooth, without constrictions between the segments. The sting is absent and the tip of the gaster is slit-like and without a circular opening (an acidopore).

Species of Dolichoderinae are most often confused with species of the subfamily Formicinae because both have a single segmented petiole, lack a sting and are often similar in overall body size and shape. This is especially true for the smaller species such as those in Doleromyrma and Tapinoma. However, dolichoderines can always be separated from formicines because the tip of the gaster has a slit-like opening while all formicines have a small circular opening.