Liometopum-occidentale

Guides

• Scolopostethus pacificus

  Scolopostethus pacificus is a myrmecophilous dirt-colored seed bug that lives in close proximity to nests of the velvety tree ant (Liometopum occidentale). Unlike many ant-associated parasites that rely on chemical deception through cuticular hydrocarbon mimicry, this species employs chemical weaponry—releasing volatile compounds from its metathoracic glands to moderate encounters with its aggressive host. Molecular gut barcoding has confirmed that S. pacificus does not feed on its host ant, distinguishing its relationship as commensal or inquiline rather than parasitic. The species is native to western North America.

  myrmecophilychemical-ecologyant-associationdefensive-secretionsHeteropteraRhyparochromidaeLiometopum-occidentalevolatile-compoundsmetathoracic-glands