One of the smallest acrobat species in North America is Crematogaster smithi. Here, a queen sits in the brood nest of a laboratory colony. Portal, Arizona, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Crematogaster

is an abundant, ecologically diverse myrmicine genus found worldwide. These ants- sometimes called "Acrobat Ants"- are easily recognized by their unusual heart-shaped gasters.

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Several genera of myrmicine ants, including Crematogaster, attach intermediate-age larvae to the walls and ceiling of the brood chamber. These larvae have long, anchor-shaped hairs along their backs that hook into the substrate like velcro. (Crematogaster nigropilosa)

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

The long spines, slender waist, and exaggerated gaster render Crematogaster nigropilosa one of the most readily recognizeable acrobat ant species in South America.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

Crematogaster nigropilosa. Unlike most stinging insects, ants of this genus don't use their stingers to inject venom. Rather, Crematogaster employ theirs like a brush to smear a droplet of venom on their attackers. This worker exudes a droplet in response to the photographer.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

Crematogaster opuntiae gathering nectar from a cholla cactus.

Tucson, Arizona, USA

Sonoran desert cacti are frequently covered in ants. Cacti provide ants with nectar- a ready food supply in a harsh environment- in exchange for protection from herbivorous insects. Here, two Crematogaster opuntiae acrobat ants exchange nectar they have gathered from a chain-link cholla.

Tucson, Arizona, USA

Crematogaster pilosa is a slightly shaggy acrobat ant species found along the southeast coast of North America.

Virginia, USA

One of the smallest acrobat species in North America is Crematogaster smithi. Here, a queen sits in the brood nest of a laboratory colony.

Portal, Arizona, USA

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Keywords: queen ants gyne crematogaster acrobat ants social insects orthocrema

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Crematogaster

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