Liometopum luctuosum
ExploreInsects
Liometopum luctuosum
Liometopum luctuosum
The black garden ant is a small, shiny insect that loves to live in gardens. They work together in big groups to find food and build their homes underground.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Liometopum luctuosum is a dark brown to black ant with a distinctive velvety sheen, making it appear soft. Its body is relatively robust with a single-segmented waist (petiole), and it often has a slightly reddish tint on its legs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusLiometopum
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single colony can have more than fifty thousand ants working together!
If you disturb them, they release a strong, lemony, citronella-like smell!
These ants are often found nesting inside dead wood high up in tall trees!
They are sometimes called 'velvety tree ants' because of their soft, dark look.
Special abilities
Ability
Citronella Cloud
Liometopum luctuosum can release a strong, citronella-like scent because of special glands that help them deter predators and warn other ants.
Ability
Arboreal Architects
Liometopum luctuosum has the ability to construct nests high up in trees because of their strong mandibles that helps them excavate soft wood.
Ability
Honeydew Harvesters
Liometopum luctuosum can 'farm' tiny insects like aphids because they protect them, which helps them collect sweet honeydew for food.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 3-6 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50000
Diet & Feeding
These ants enjoy sweet honeydew from tiny insects and also eat dead bugs!
Primary Foods
- honeydew
- aphids
- scale insects
- dead insects
- small arthropods
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
melon aphid
Aphis gossypii
Ants protect aphids for their sweet honeydew.
eats
seven-spotted ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Ladybugs prey on aphids, which ants protect.
eats
coast horned lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum
Lizards might occasionally eat these ants.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to disturb their nests, as they can bite if they feel threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Liometopum luctuosum?
3-6 mm
How long does Liometopum luctuosum live?
60-365 days
What does Liometopum luctuosum eat?
These ants enjoy sweet honeydew from tiny insects and also eat dead bugs!
Where is Liometopum luctuosum usually found?
Urban areas
How does Liometopum luctuosum hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Liometopum luctuosum have?
6
How large are Liometopum luctuosum colonies?
50000
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