Velvety Tree Ant

Liometopum occidentale

Color: Black

Size: 3 – 6 mm

Shape: Chest and abdomen narrow, antennae long

Nutrition: Nectar, small insects and sugary substances

Habitat: California, Oregon, Arizona

General Behavior

They like to live in forested areas. They prefer hollow tree hollows.

They are active foragers, crawling along tree trunks and surfaces.

They communicate between the colony with pheromones.

They have multiple queens, colonies are large.

They prefer and infest damp and decaying wood.

They travel in cracks and crevices in confined spaces.

They bite for defense purposes and leave a foul odor.

Threats

Urbanization and forest destruction threaten habitats.

How Do We Recognize Infestation?

Sighting of ants walking on surfaces such as trees and walls

They emit an odor when they are crushed or disturbed.

Live activity in wooden materials.