Crematogaster pinicola
This record describes Crematogaster pinicola (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Morphologically identical to Crematogaster ashmeadi , but is strongly red and black bicolored in freshly collected specimens whereas ashmeadi is black or dark brown. ashmeadi nests in hardwoods, while pinicola nests in pines. The two species seem to be reproductively isolated with no observed hybrids.
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
Pine flatwoods
Geographic Range
Southeastern US: AL-SC-FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pinicola refers to the species being a pine nesting specialist.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Crematogaster pinicola. 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 pinicola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Crematogaster pinicola
What is Crematogaster pinicola?
Crematogaster pinicola is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Crematogaster pinicola?
Morphologically identical to Crematogaster ashmeadi , but is strongly red and black bicolored in freshly collected specimens whereas ashmeadi is black or dark brown. ashmeadi nests in hardwoods, while pinicola nests in pines. The two species seem to be reproductively isolated with no observed hybrids.
Where is Crematogaster pinicola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pine flatwoods |
| Range | Southeastern US: AL-SC-FL |