Meet Dorymyrmex bureni, better known as the pyramid ant, a small, native species that’s often misunderstood in Florida landscapes.
Named for the distinct pyramid-shaped bump on its thorax, this ant is as fascinating as it is beneficial.
Unlike nuisance species like ghost or fire ants, pyramid ants aren’t interested in your kitchen or foundation. Instead, they thrive outdoors in sandy, sunlit areas like lawns, dunes, and roadsides.
Places where they help maintain ecological balance.
Despite their chill behavior around humans, pyramid ants don’t back down from a fight with fire ants.
In fact, they’re natural predators of fire ants, helping to suppress their spread without the need for chemical warfare. Pyramid ant colonies are relatively modest in size, just a few thousand workers, and they rarely invade homes.
In South Florida’s year-round warmth, they remain active through every season, quietly contributing to a healthier yard while keeping invasive pests in check.
Identification, Behaviors, Patterns, And Threats
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Biological Name | Dorymyrmex bureni |
Actual Size | Between 1/16" and 1/8" (2–3 mm), small and slender |
Color | Reddish-brown to black, often with a darker abdomen |
Legs | 6 |
Antennae | Yes, elbowed, used for trail-following and communication |
Wings | Only present on reproductive males and females during mating seasons |
Distinctive Traits | Raised pyramid-like projection on the thorax (key identification feature) |
Colony Size | Few thousand ants per colony, much smaller than fire ants |
Habitat | Open, sunny areas like lawns, sand dunes, roadsides, and fields |
Indoor Nesting | Rare; primarily nest outdoors, unlike other invasive ant species |
Behavior | Non-aggressive, chill demeanor but can fiercely defend against other ants |
Pyramid ants in Florida exhibit behaviors that set them apart from more disruptive ant species.
They’re diurnal foragers, meaning they’re most active during the day, and typically hunt alone or in small, loose patterns rather than organized trails. Their diet is largely composed of live and dead insects, making them natural allies in outdoor pest control.
Despite their mellow nature toward humans, pyramid ants are fierce when it comes to turf wars. While not aggressive to people or pets, they will shred rival ants like fire ants to defend their territory. Still, they lack stingers and rarely bite unless their nest is disturbed.
The primary concern with pyramid ants is misidentification.
Some homeowners mistakenly eliminate these helpful natives thinking they’re pests. But with no structural damage, no stings, and low indoor intrusion, they pose virtually no real threat, only misunderstood value.
Signs of Pyramid Ant Infestations or Colonies
Photo Source -> Utah State University Extension
Pyramid ant activity is subtle, but once you know what to look for, it becomes easier to spot.
The most obvious clue is their distinctive mound, small, volcano-shaped piles of fine sand with a single central opening. These mounds typically appear in dry, sunny patches of soil, such as along walkways, in open lawns, or near sidewalks.
Unlike fire ant hills, they’re less aggressive and won’t erupt into chaos if disturbed.
You might also notice fast-moving reddish-brown ants foraging solo or in loose groups, especially during daylight hours. While they’re not drawn indoors, pyramid ants can occasionally be seen trailing near patios or garden beds.
Another giveaway is their preference for sugary foods like honeydew and fruit.
If you have an aphid problem on nearby plants, you may find pyramid ants attacking these insects for their sweet secretion. Spotting these signs usually means a nearby colony is well established, though not necessarily problematic.
Think You’ve Spotted Pyramid Ants in Florida? Let’s Get It Right Before You Spray.
If you’re a South Florida homeowner trying to protect your lawn or patio from ant invasions, it’s easy to misidentify helpful pyramid ants as a nuisance. But wiping out the wrong colony could invite even worse pests—like fire ants—to move in.
That’s why knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step toward peace of mind.
We help homeowners who care about their property and want to avoid unnecessary, harmful treatments. If you're seeing small mounds or fast-moving reddish ants, don’t second-guess it—call in the local experts.
Here’s how Hoffer Pest Solutions can help you stay in control (without hurting the good guys):
Expert Ant Identification: We’ll tell you exactly what kind of ants you’re dealing with—no guesswork, no unnecessary treatments.
Targeted Ant Control: We remove fire ants, ghost ants, and other real threats with precision—safely and effectively.
Yard-Friendly Pest Plans: Our outdoor-focused treatments protect your lawn and landscaping while keeping helpful pyramid ants where they belong.
Ready to reclaim your lawn and get peace of mind? Contact Hoffer Pest Solutions today.