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
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