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Liometopum

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Liometopum
Liometopum occidentale
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Subfamily: Dolichoderinae
Tribe: Tapinomini
Genus: Liometopum
Mayr, 1861
Type species
Formica microcephala

Liometopum is a genus of ants that belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae. The genus is regionally distributed across North America, Europe and Asia.

In Mexico, colonies of Liometopum have been used as a food resource by people in rural areas for centuries. The immature stages of the reproductive caste, known as "escamoles" are consumed and are a high-quality source of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Adult reproductives may also be consumed by humans during swarming, and worker brood is consumed when other stages are scarce.

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.

See also

References

  1. "Genus: Liometopum". antweb.org. AntWeb. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  2. Hoey-Chamberlain, Rust & Klotz 2013, p. 1
  3. Hoey-Chamberlain, Rust & Klotz 2013, p. 2

External links

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