I90S-] 



Wheeler, Ants of the Genus Liometopum. 



333 



Fig. 3. Dinardilla liometofii 

 Wasmann. 



Lomechusa, etc." These beetles are of more than usual interest 

 because they are both tactual mimics, that is, they probably deceive 

 the ants through a resemblance in form or 

 surface texture to the Liometopum workers. 

 While both beetles are highly pubescent, like 

 these workers, they differ greatly in form; 

 Apteronina being decidedly ant-like, whereas 

 Dinardilla has the form of beetles which 

 ants have considerable difficulty in seizing or 

 holding in their mandibles. According to 

 Wasmann, Dinardilla is allied to Dinarda, a 

 genus comprising several interesting European 

 myrmecophiles. Apteronina, according to 

 the same authority, resembles A pieronillus and 



even more closely several Eciton guests of the mimetic type. Prob- 

 ably both of the Liometopum guests are in the habit of accompanying 

 their hosts as thev move along in files. In this respect the relationship 

 of Apteronina with Apteronillus and its allies is very suggestive, since 

 the Eciton guests are actually known to accompany the files of their 

 nomadic hosts. 



A study of the behavior of Dinardilla and Apteronina in artificial 

 nests would undoubtedly yield interesting results. While I was in 

 Colorado there were so many matters of myrmecological interest to 

 occupy my time and attention, that I unfortunately neglected to 

 observe these beetles under suitable conditions. I include a couple 

 of sketches (Figs. 2 and 3) that may aid some future observer in 

 identifying these singular creatures. 



