Crematogaster minutissima
This record describes Crematogaster minutissima (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Propodeal spines less upturned and farther apart compared to Crematogaster missouriensis , the only other yellow Crematogaster in the US.
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
Habitat
Seems to be a ground nester. I have had luck finding colonies in somewhat dryer pieces of rotten wood.
Geographic Range
se US to AZ / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Crematogaster minutissima (Mayr, 1870)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Crematogaster minutissima. 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 minutissima (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Crematogaster minutissima
What is Crematogaster minutissima?
Crematogaster minutissima is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Crematogaster minutissima?
Propodeal spines less upturned and farther apart compared to Crematogaster missouriensis , the only other yellow Crematogaster in the US.
Where is Crematogaster minutissima found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Seems to be a ground nester. I have had luck finding colonies in somewhat dryer pieces of rotten wood. |
| Range | se US to AZ / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map |