Western Velvety Tree Ant
ExploreInsects
Western Velvety Tree Ant
Liometopum occidentale
The Western Velvety Tree Ant is a small, shiny black ant that loves to climb trees. They are often seen working together to build their homes in the bark of trees and are very busy little creatures!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Western Velvety Tree Ant is a medium-sized ant, typically dark brown to black, often with a reddish-brown head and thorax. Its body has a dense covering of fine, short hairs, giving it a soft, velvety appearance. This ant is distinguished by its body shape and distinct strong odor when disturbed.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusLiometopum
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If squished, these ants release a strong smell like blue cheese or citronella!
Some colonies can grow to have more than 80,000 busy worker ants!
Their huge colonies can sometimes spread across several different trees!
They use tiny hairs on their bodies to help them climb smooth surfaces like glass!
Special abilities
Ability
Stinky Defense
Western Velvety Tree Ant can release a strong, smelly liquid when disturbed, deterring predators with its unpleasant odor.
Ability
Scent Trail Mapping
Western Velvety Tree Ant can lay invisible chemical trails to efficiently guide colony members to food and nest sites.
Ability
Honeydew Farming
Western Velvety Tree Ant can 'farm' tiny aphids, protecting them from predators in exchange for sugary honeydew.
Ability
Flexible Housing
Western Velvety Tree Ant can quickly relocate its entire colony to a new nest if their current home is threatened.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 3.5-7 mm
- Lifespan
- 90-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 80000
Diet & Feeding
These ants are omnivores, enjoying sugary liquids like honeydew and also snacking on small insects.
Primary Foods
- honeydew
- small insects
- nectar
- caterpillars
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii
tend for sweet honeydew
shelters
California Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
nests in tree cavities
eaten by
Western Bluebird
Sialia mexicana
a food source for birds
hunts
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
preys on other ants
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to disturb their homes in trees; they are busy workers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Western Velvety Tree Ant?
3.5-7 mm
How long does Western Velvety Tree Ant live?
90-365 days
What does Western Velvety Tree Ant eat?
These ants are omnivores, enjoying sugary liquids like honeydew and also snacking on small insects.
Where is Western Velvety Tree Ant usually found?
Forests
How does Western Velvety Tree Ant hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Western Velvety Tree Ant have?
6
How large are Western Velvety Tree Ant colonies?
80000
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