Crematogaster ashmeadi
This record describes Crematogaster ashmeadi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
they are the most important source of food for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, Picoides borealis , and therefore warrant further research (Tschinkel 2002).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Myrmicinae
- Tribe
- Crematogastrini
- Genus
- Crematogaster (Acrobat Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
nests in many different trees, shrubs, and vines in a wide variety of habitats ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crematogaster ashmeadi Mayr, 1886
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Crematogaster ashmeadi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Crematogaster ashmeadi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Crematogaster ashmeadi
What is Crematogaster ashmeadi?
Crematogaster ashmeadi is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Crematogaster ashmeadi found?
Range: se. US - Map
What is the life cycle of a Crematogaster ashmeadi?
nests in many different trees, shrubs, and vines in a wide variety of habitats ( 3 )