Velvety-tree-ant

Guides

• Liometopum occidentale

  velvety tree ant, Western Velvety Tree Ant

  Liometopum occidentale, commonly known as the velvety tree ant, is a species of ant in the subfamily Dolichoderinae native to western North America. The species is frequently misidentified as carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) due to shared morphological traits including polymorphic workers, a smooth convex thoracic profile, and wood-excavating behavior. This misidentification has led to underreporting of its significance as a structural pest in California, Oregon, and Washington. Colonies are large and polydomous, with worker populations estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals.

  antDolichoderinaestructural-pestvelvety-tree-antwestern-North-Americaoak-forestpine-forestpolydomouspolymorphic-workerscarpenter-ant-mimic