Dorymyrmex bossutus

Dorymyrmex bossutus (Trager, 1988)
Sandhills Cone Ant

Federal Protection: No US federal protection

State Protection: No Georgia state protection

Global Rank: GNR

State Rank: S2

Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: Yes

SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes

SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes

2025 SGCN Priority Tier: High Conservation Concern

Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 3

Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Sandhills

Description

Incomplete

Similar Species

Similar species include Dorymyrmex bureni and Dorymyrmex smithi. Each of these species is uniform in color (red and black, respectively), whereas D. bossutus is bicolored.

Habitat

The genus Dorymyrmex (commonly known as the cone or pyramid ants) are ground nesters in open or arid areas. Dorymyrmex bossutus has been widely observed among sandhills, as well as the fossil dunes of Florida. It is usually found in association with turkey oak (Quercus laevis). The species tolerates most forms of disturbance, except for tillage.

Diet

Unknown

Life History

Unknown

Survey Recommendations

Incomplete

Range

More surveys are necessary to determine the current range.

Threats

The primary threats to this species come from development and fragmentation of its habitat, combined with a naturally narrow range. Suppression of fire has also allowed woody species and exotic invasive species to encroach on the open habitat needed by this species.

SWAP 2025 Threat Matrix

Threat 1 Threat 2 Threat 3

General Threat Residential & commercial development Natural system modifications Agriculture & aquaculture

Specific Threat Commercial & industrial areas Fire & fire suppression Work & other activities

	Threat 1	Threat 2	Threat 3
General Threat	Residential & commercial development	Natural system modifications	Agriculture & aquaculture
Specific Threat	Commercial & industrial areas	Fire & fire suppression	Work & other activities

Georgia Conservation Status

Within the state, Dorymyrmex bossutus is known from Southeastern Georiga. The locality is on public land.

Conservation Management Recommendations

Conservation of this species is best conducted by preserving and managing the remaining habitats where it occurs. The reintroduction of fire into the landscape will help maintain and restore suitable habitats.

SWAP 2025 Conservation Actions:

Action 1: Reassess the conservation status of SGCN before the next revision of Georgia's State Wildlife Action Plan

Authors of Account

JoVonn G. Hill and Brady S. Dunaway

Edited by Anna Yellin

Date Compiled or Updated

12/2/2019

04/19/2023

Dorymyrmex bossutus: Apical view of worker. Photo by Mississippi Entomological Museum. Image may be subject to copyright.

Dorymyrmex bossutus, dorsal view of the head of a worker. Photo by the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Image may be subject to copyright