Description
Overview
Dorymyrmex — the Pyramid Ants — are small, lightning-fast ants found across the southern United States and into Mexico. Named for the distinctive cone-shaped mound they build over their nest entrance, these ants are a constant source of activity in any setup. Workers are always on the move, darting in quick, erratic bursts that make them some of the most entertaining ants to watch.
Difficulty Level
Beginner. Hardy, fast-growing, and forgiving of minor care mistakes. Their speed makes feeding and maintenance feel lively, but they are straightforward to keep as long as the enclosure is secure and food is offered consistently.
Temperament
Dorymyrmex are high-energy foragers that mob food sources quickly and defend their nest aggressively against competing ants. Toward their keeper they are not aggressive — workers are far more interested in foraging than confrontation. They have no functional sting and their bite is harmless. Their defining trait is speed: workers move in fast, darting bursts that can make them appear chaotic, but they are always purposeful.
Feeding
Dorymyrmex are omnivores with a high metabolic rate. Feed them well and they grow fast.
Protein (primary): Offer 2–3 times per week. Fruit flies work well for young colonies; scale up to mealworm pieces, roach bits, or small crickets as the colony grows. Always pre-kill or remove the hind legs of crickets before feeding — a live cricket’s kick can injure or kill workers.
Liquid sugars (constant): Keep a sugar source available at all times. Sunburst Ant Nectar is an excellent ready-to-use option. Sugar water or diluted honey also work well. A liquid feeder keeps it accessible and prevents drowning.
Remove uneaten protein within 24 hours to prevent mold.
Ant Farm (Habitat)
Start new colonies in a test tube setup. When the first workers begin to forage, attach a mini outworld to the test tube — make sure to apply Fluon to the inner rim before connecting it. Once the colony is established, transition to a formicarium — choose one with good visibility so you can watch their mound-building behavior and foraging activity. Dorymyrmex instinctively build cone-shaped mounds over their nest entrance and will do so in captivity given the right material. Bamboo Tube Nests work well for this genus.
Keep the outworld dry and well-ventilated. Dorymyrmex are not strong climbers, but their speed means gaps and unsecured lids are a real escape risk. Apply Fluon to the outworld’s upper interior rim and check after every maintenance session.
Always use a secured water source — open water is a drowning hazard for fast-moving small workers.
Growth
Queens are fully claustral during founding. Egg to adult worker takes approximately 4–6 weeks in warm conditions — one of the faster development timelines in the hobby. Colonies are monogynous and grow steadily into the hundreds, with well-established colonies reaching several thousand workers.
An optional mild cool-down in winter (not a true diapause) can benefit long-term colony health, but it is not required. With consistent warmth, Dorymyrmex remain active and continue growing year-round.
Temperature
Maintain a nest temperature of 80–90°F (27–32°C). Use a heat cable on one side of the nest to create a gradient — workers will self-regulate by moving between warmer and cooler zones. Warmer temperatures within this range produce faster brood development.
Humidity
Keep humidity low to moderate overall — around 40–50% in the nest. Maintain a small moist area for brood development while keeping the rest of the nest and outworld dry. Fresh water should be available at all times via a secured source. Avoid excess moisture, which can promote mold and is inconsistent with their natural habitat.
Common Challenges
- Live cricket injuries — Always pre-kill prey or remove the hind legs of crickets before offering. A live cricket’s kick can seriously injure or kill workers.
- Escapes — Their speed, not climbing ability, is the risk. Check all lid seams and tubing connections. Apply Fluon to outworld walls and reapply monthly.
- Protein mold — Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. These ants have a high metabolism and feed often, so rotation matters.
- Drowning — Always use a secured water source. Fast workers and open water are a bad combination.
- Overcrowding — Dorymyrmex grow quickly. Upgrade the nest proactively — a tight enclosure increases escape attempts and stress.
Shipping Info
We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure your ants don’t sit in a carrier facility over the weekend. Orders placed after Wednesday ship the following Monday.
On your shipping day, you’ll receive an email in the afternoon with tracking information.
Temperature protection:
- Cold pack: Included when the temperature at our location in Tempe, AZ exceeds 100°F.
- Heat pack: Included when the temperature at your destination is below 50°F.
- Weather hold: If the destination forecast drops below 35°F, we’ll hold your order and ship when conditions improve. We’ll contact you if this applies to
your order.
Live Arrival Guarantee
giving you confidence in your ant-keeping journey. See our live arrival policy for
requirements and instructions.
