Crematogaster minutissima
Mayr, 1870
Forest Floor Yellow Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster minutissima is a small in the Crematogaster, commonly known as the Forest Floor Yellow . The species is characterized by its diminutive size and yellowish coloration. It belongs to a genus notable for its -shaped and defensive 'acrobatic' stinging posture, though specific behavioral documentation for this species is limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Crematogaster minutissima: //krɛˌmætəˈɡæstər ˌmɪnuˈtɪsɪmə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Crematogaster primarily by its exceptionally small size and pale yellow coloration. The species name 'minutissima' (superlative of 'small' in Latin) directly references this trait. Separation from similar small yellow Crematogaster species requires examination of morphological details including propodeal spines, shape, and pilosity patterns; precise diagnostic characters are not well-documented in accessible literature.
Images
Habitat
Observed in Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete in Colombia, a protected area characterized by Amazonian forest and tepui (table mountain) . The suggests association with forest floor microhabitats, though specific nesting preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Documented from Colombia, specifically from Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete. The iNaturalist observation count of 104 suggests broader Neotropical distribution, though verified records are sparse in published literature.
Behavior
As a member of Crematogaster, the likely exhibits the characteristic 'acrobatic' defensive of raising the over the when alarmed, but this has not been specifically documented for C. minutissima. Foraging and nesting behaviors remain undescribed.
Similar Taxa
- Crematogaster steinheiliSimilar small yellow Neotropical Crematogaster; separation requires detailed morphological comparison
- Other small yellow Crematogaster speciesSize and coloration overlap with multiple undescribed or poorly documented in the
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The was described by Mayr in 1870, making it one of the earlier described Crematogaster species. Despite this, modern taxonomic revision and detailed biological study appear limited.
Data Availability
iNaturalist reports 104 observations, suggesting the is encountered with moderate frequency by observers, yet formal scientific documentation of its remains sparse.