Liometopum

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Liometopum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Dolichoderinae
Genus: Liometopum
Wheeler, 1905
Species
  • L. luctuosum
  • L. occidentale

Liometopum is a genus of ants that belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae. Caterpillars of certain butterfly species have a symbiotic relationship with Liometopum ants. They produce secretions that the ants will feed on, similar to the Iridomyrmex genus of ants.

Escamoles is a Mexican delicacy that is made from the larvae of these ants.

[edit] Species

  • L. luctuosum
  • L. occidentale

[edit] References

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