Crematogaster (genus)

Formicidae • Hymenoptera • other insect groups • insects (plant pests) • pests-diseases-weeds

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a Crematogaster ant tending aphids (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): David Cappaert
Source: IPM Images

Crematogaster Lund, 1831

Crematogaster is a large genus of ants with more than 400 species. They are widely distributed with many species found in tropical and subtropical regions. Most species live in trees and are omnivorous, preying on different insects, but also tending aphids or mealybugs to collect their honeydew (e.g. C. peringueyi).

C. scutellaris is mainly regarded as a useful predator of insect pests. For other ant predator species see the page on Formicidae (predators). On the other hand, the acrobat ant C. ashmeadi can be an urban pest in North America.

Type species: Crematogaster scutellaris

Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:

• Crematogaster ashmeadi
• Crematogaster peringueyi
• Crematogaster scutellaris