Liometopum

is a dolichoderine ant genus found in Asia and North America. Colonies of these aggressive insects are large and are often found nesting in the dead interior of mature living trees. The three North American species are restricted to the western part of the continent.

Linepithema apiculatum
Workers in alarm posture. Portal, Arizona, USA
Liometopum apiculatum
Inside a nest, Liometopum workers have piled developing brood up under a sun-warmed rock. Heat accelerates the process of metamorphosis. Portal, Arizona, USA
Liometopum luctuosum
Friend or Foe? Two workers of the tree ant Liometopum luctuosum check each other out. Mojave National Preserve, California, USA

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