About Liometopum luctuosum Wheeler, 1905
Liometopum luctuosum Wheeler, 1905 is a species of ant belonging to the subfamily Dolichoderinae. It is frequently confused with carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) by both homeowners and pest management professionals, due to shared morphological and behavioral traits: polymorphic workers, a smooth convex thoracic profile, and a tendency to excavate wood. This species is also often confused with Tapinoma sessile, as both share the same coloration, similar body size, and produce an alarm pheromone with a very similar odor. Because of these frequent misidentifications, the status of L. luctuosum as a structural pest is very likely greatly underreported, particularly across California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States.
L. luctuosum has been recorded at elevations as low as 59 meters, but in more southern latitudes it is typically found at elevations above 2400 meters. Its geographic range stretches from temperate habitats as far north as British Columbia, Canada, south to the more arid habitats of central Mexico and western Texas, United States. It lives in pine, oak, Douglas fir, and juniper forests, sagebrush ecosystems, and high-elevation riparian habitats. This species is often strongly associated with pine trees, though it is not limited to habitats with these trees.
Reproductive individuals of L. luctuosum have been observed performing nuptial flights during June and July. Reproductives can be collected the day after a nuptial flight from large bodies of water, or captured using a blacklight trap.
