What are army ants?
Dorylinae are a subfamily of army ants—tiny (2–4 mm), elusive, and specialised predators known for coordinated group raids.
Where are they found in India?
They occur mainly in the Western Ghats and the Northeast Himalaya, especially in moist, shaded forest habitats.
How do they hunt?
They move in organised columns through leaf litter, detect other ant colonies, and invade them—subduing prey quickly with mandibles and stings.
How do they navigate?
They rely on chemical signals and tactile cues to coordinate movement and raids.
About the Authors
Femi Ezhuthupallickal Benny
Femi is a PhD student at University College London (UCL), working on the ecology and behavior of Asian giant hornets. Passionate about insects, especially wasps, she loves fieldwork in underexplored places, studying how insects interact with their environment and discovering new species while at it!
