Crematogaster pilosa

Emery, 1895

Hairy-headed Acrobat Ant

Crematogaster pilosa is a to the southern Atlantic coast of the United States and some interior areas. It forms multiple spatially separated nests per colony, typically inhabiting tidal marshes, wet meadows, and other wetland environments. The species nests in stems, logs, and fallen branches. Its 'Hairy-headed Acrobat Ant' refers to its pilose (hairy) and the characteristic acrobat ant of raising the () over the when disturbed.

Crematogaster pilosa by (c) Tyler Bishop, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tyler Bishop. Used under a CC-BY license.Crematogaster pilosa casent0103804 head 1 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Crematogaster pilosa casent0103804 profile 2 by April Nobile. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Crematogaster pilosa: /kɹɛˌmætəˈɡæstər pɪˈloʊsə/

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Identification

Crematogaster pilosa can be distinguished from other Crematogaster by its pilose (hairy) , a trait referenced in its specific epithet and . As with other acrobat in the , it exhibits the diagnostic 'acrobatic' posture of elevating the when alarmed. The species is part of the , characterized by a two-segmented and apparatus. Specific morphological measurements and detailed diagnostic characters distinguishing it from in its range are not documented in available sources.

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Habitat

Tidal salt marshes, intertidal salt marshes, wet meadows, and other wetland environments. Nests occur in stems, logs, and fallen branches. The exhibits a documented preference for highly connected within tidal marsh landscapes, suggesting that landscape connectivity influences colony distribution and structure.

Distribution

to the southern Atlantic coast of the United States and some interior areas. Distribution includes coastal and near-coastal regions from this range extending inland to associated wetland .

Behavior

Forms colonies with multiple spatially separated nests per colony. Exhibits preference for highly connected , indicating that landscape structure influences colony organization. Displays typical acrobat of raising the over the when disturbed.

Similar Taxa

  • Crematogaster laeviusculaAnother acrobat ; C. laeviuscula has been documented as a nest of (Polistes exclamans), a not reported for C. pilosa. C. pilosa is distinguished by its pilose and preference for tidal marsh versus the more nesting habits of C. laeviuscula.
  • Crematogaster striatulaAfrican in the same ; C. striatula is known for spraying on from a distance, a defensive not documented for C. pilosa. The two are , with C. striatula occurring in Africa and C. pilosa restricted to North America.

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