Crematogaster mutans
This record describes Crematogaster mutans (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Buren (1968) notes the subpetiolar process of this species as strikingly large, a character in combination with a postpetiole which is wider anteriorly and has straight sides, which sets C. mutans from the rest of the western Crematogaster.
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
collected from 400 - 2256 meters, 1384 meters average
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Buren, 1968
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Crematogaster mutans. 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 mutans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James C. Trager; Additional contributions by behmrachel
Frequently Asked Questions About Crematogaster mutans
What is Crematogaster mutans?
Crematogaster mutans is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Crematogaster mutans?
Buren (1968) notes the subpetiolar process of this species as strikingly large, a character in combination with a postpetiole which is wider anteriorly and has straight sides, which sets C. mutans from the rest of the western Crematogaster.
Where is Crematogaster mutans found?
Habitat: collected from 400 - 2256 meters, 1384 meters average