Bicolored Pyramid Ant (Dorymyrmex bicolor)
Price range: $39.99 through $49.99
Beginner-friendly Bicolored Pyramid Ants with fast, active workers. Ships to AZ, CA, CO, KS, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT. A lively, low-maintenance species for new keepers.
Description
This species thrives in warm, dry environments across the American Southwest. Their compact size, heat tolerance, and simple care requirements make them an excellent, low-maintenance species for both beginner and experienced ant keepers.
Difficulty Level
Beginner-friendly. Dorymyrmex bicolor is hardy, adaptable, and tolerant of small care mistakes. They grow steadily when provided warmth and regular feeding.
Temperament
Pyramid Ant workers are extremely active but generally non-aggressive toward keepers. Their rapid, darting movement can appear frantic, but they rarely show defensive behavior. They lack a true sting, though they may bite if disturbed.
Feeding
In the wild, D. bicolor feeds on small insects, honeydew, and plant nectars. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced combination of sugars and proteins:
- Sugars / Carbohydrates:
Sunburst Ant Nectar (recommended),
hummingbird nectar (store-bought, non-red, properly diluted), or very small amounts of raw honey. - Protein (2–3× per week): Small insects or insect pieces such as fruit flies, chopped mealworms, micro crickets, or roach bits.
Regular feeding supports healthy brood development and consistent colony growth. Remove any leftover protein to prevent mold.
Temperature
D. bicolor thrives in warm conditions and benefits from a controlled heat source:
- Ideal nest temperature: 80–90°F (27–32°C).
- Use a heat cable along one side or underneath part of the nest to create a warm gradient.
- Only heat part of the setup so the colony can regulate its temperature naturally.
- Avoid heating the entire nest surface directly to prevent overheating.
Humidity
This species prefers low to moderate humidity, reflecting its desert origins.
- Keep the nest mostly dry, hydrating only a small moisture chamber if needed.
- Avoid heavy misting or soaked substrate.
- Always provide a clean water source (test tube reservoir or feeder).
Preventing Escapes
Although fast-moving, D. bicolor is not a strong climber on smooth surfaces and is easy to contain:
- Use a smooth-walled outworld with a secure lid.
- Apply a thin layer of fluon around the upper interior rim.
- Avoid placing decorations or tubing close to the lid.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All colonies are shipped with care. See our full policy here:
Live Arrival Guarantee.
Shipping Locations
We ship Dorymyrmex bicolor colonies to the following states:
AZ, CA, CO, KS, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT.
