Orange Pyramid Ants (Dorymyrmex bureni)

General: Dorymyrmex bureni is an orange, energetic ant from the Southeast US. They are sensitive to disturbances, but still grow easily and quickly! They’re erratic and have a wide appetite, enjoying frequent sugar feedings and lots of protein for their growing brood pile. A highly recommended species. The ‘Lasius of the south’.

Diet: Dorymyrmex bureni MUST get liquid sugars frequently. Colonies may collapse without sugars for long periods of time. Though they need sugars frequently, they still love protein. They will eat a variety of protein, like mealworms, fruit flies, and crickets. Feed them frequently (at least 3 times a week) for best growth. They LOVE fruit flies! If fed large protein items, it’s best that they’re cut into smaller pieces.

Temperature: Dorymyrmex bureni requires heating. Their nests should be between 81-87 degrees fahrenheit. Without heating, they will grow slowly or not at all. It’s also important, however, to make sure that this species has a very humid nest. Without moisture, these ants can perish quickly.

Diapause: Dorymyrmex bureni does not need a typical cold diapause, but may need a few weeks to a month off of heat in room temperature or slightly cooler. If you do this, make sure to continue feeding sugars. It’s probable that they skip right through this and just keep growing year-round!

Growth: Brood development takes 4-6 weeks, usually around 4-5 weeks with heating and proper feeding. Colonies could reach the hundreds or one thousand in the first year and thousands for the years after that!

Queen size: 6-8mm

Worker size: 3-4mm

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.