Wasp-predator
Guides
Crematogaster ashmeadi
acrobatic ant, Ashmead's Acrobat Ant
Crematogaster ashmeadi, commonly known as the acrobat ant, is a strictly arboreal ant species native to eastern North America and widespread in the Southeastern United States. It is the most dominant arboreal ant in pine forests of the coastal plains of northern Florida, where colonies inhabit chambers in the outer bark of living pine trees. The species exhibits specialized nesting behavior, relying on pre-existing cavities excavated by bark-mining caterpillars rather than constructing its own galleries. Workers are known for their distinctive trail-laying behavior using tibial gland secretions and have been observed raiding wasp nests.
Crematogaster crinosa
crinosa-complex Acrobat Ants
Crematogaster crinosa is a species of acrobat ant in the tribe Crematogastrini, described by Mayr in 1862. It belongs to the crinosa species complex, a group of closely related Crematogaster species that can be difficult to distinguish morphologically. The species is native to the Neotropics and has been documented in association with various wasp nests as a predator.
Crematogaster laeviuscula
Shiny Acrobat Ant, Acrobat Ant, Valentine Ant
Crematogaster laeviuscula, commonly known as the shiny acrobat ant or valentine ant, is a species of ant in the genus Crematogaster. The species is notable for its role as a predator of other insects, including documented predation on wasp nests. It has been recorded as a significant predator of paper wasp colonies, particularly Polistes exclamans. The species is widespread across North America, with over 5,000 observations documented on iNaturalist.