The black cocoa ant (Dolichoderus thoracicus) is one of Southeast Asia’s most common and widely recognized arboreal ant species. Recently, they have also attracted attention as an invasive species in several Asian countries. What’s particularly interesting about the black cocoa ant is its unique breeding system, which involves multiple queens that aid the formation of so-called supercolonies.
In a surprising twist, they have been seen hitching rides on human vehicles to extend their colonies! If the car is parked too close to the plants and they find a suitable living place in what to them is just a big iron box, they may decide to move in. This hitchhiking ability allows the species to travel long distances and rapidly expand their population, which has made them a significant invasive ant species in recent years. So, if you find yourself parked in their range, don’t be surprised if you have a few prospective hitchhikers that try to join your journey! Just resist the temptation to give them the free ride, lest you help an invasive supercolony gain even more ground.
Below: The same ant species on the front of a car (Left) and close up on a plant (Right).
Photo by Feng-Chuan Hsu and caption by Yi-Ting Fang
Edited by Brady Nichols