Four-Spotted Odorous Ant
ExploreInsects
Four-Spotted Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus quadripunctatus
The Four-Spotted Odorous Ant is a small ant known for its unique smell when disturbed. They are social insects that work together in large groups to find food and build their homes.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Four-Spotted Odorous Ant is a small, dark brown to black ant with a dull, matte sheen. It has four prominent, yellowish-white spots on its abdomen, making it easily identifiable from similar ants.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusDolichoderus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Sometimes, they pretend to be dead when danger is near to trick predators!
Their "four spots" can sometimes be more or less, making them tricky!
These ants don't sting, but can bite and spray an irritating liquid!
They often march in long lines, following invisible scent trails to food.
Special abilities
Ability
Stinky Defense
Four-Spotted Odorous Ants can release a unique, chemical odor when threatened because it helps them scare away predators.
Ability
Tree Home Builders
Four-Spotted Odorous Ants have a special ability to build their nests high up in trees because it keeps them safe from ground predators.
Ability
Sweet Farmers
Four-Spotted Odorous Ants can "farm" tiny insects called aphids because they produce a sugary liquid called honeydew.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 2-4 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 10000
Diet & Feeding
These ants are omnivores, enjoying sugary liquids like honeydew and small insects.
Primary Foods
- Honeydew
- Nectar
- Small Insects
- Aphids
- Dead Arthropods
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Black Bean Aphid
Aphis fabae
tends for sweet honeydew on plants.
shelters
English Oak
Quercus robur
builds nests in tree bark and crevices.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
preys on foraging ants on trees.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to disturb ant nests, as they can bite if they feel threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Four-Spotted Odorous Ant?
2-4 mm
How long does Four-Spotted Odorous Ant live?
60-90 days
What does Four-Spotted Odorous Ant eat?
These ants are omnivores, enjoying sugary liquids like honeydew and small insects.
Where is Four-Spotted Odorous Ant usually found?
Forests
How does Four-Spotted Odorous Ant hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Four-Spotted Odorous Ant have?
6
How large are Four-Spotted Odorous Ant colonies?
10000
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