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Crematogaster scutellaris

Crematogaster scutellaris

Crematogaster scutellaris

A species of Saint Valentine ant

The Crematogaster scutellaris is a type of ant that is a reddish-grey coloring. It commonly builds its nest in the stumps of trees. Its nest is made with a combination of chewed wood and humus. Humus is decomposed organic material in the dirt, not the food kind. When it comes to queens, there can be multiple in one nest, but they are far apart from one another due to their aggression.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Crematogaster scutellaris
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Attributes of Crematogaster scutellaris
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
river bank; disturbed habitat; in and around warehouse and cork factory; natural and human-managed ecosystem
Adult Food Sources
Aphid honeydew, insects and small arthropods, nectar and plant secretions, fruit juices, human-derived foods (occasionally)
Larva Food Source
Trophallaxis (nutrient-rich liquid from adults), insect pieces provided by adult ants, aphid honeydew, small arthropods, eggs of various insects
Biting/stinging
The Crematogaster scutellaris may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Crematogaster scutellaris feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Crematogaster scutellaris typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Appearance of Crematogaster scutellaris
Crematogaster scutellaris can reach a length of about 8 mm in the queen, while the workers rarely exceed 5 mm. These ants have reddish head and black thorax and abdomen. The shape of the abdomen is characteristic, as it gradually narrows toward the apex.
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How to Identify Crematogaster scutellaris?

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Life Cycle of Crematogaster scutellaris
Egg The egg of crematogaster scutellaris is tiny, oval, and typically transparent to pearly white in color. It is deposited in a secure location by the queen and undergoes a period of incubation before hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the crematogaster scutellaris larva is legless and maggot-like in appearance, with a soft, whitish body that grows through successive molts. It is completely dependent on adult workers for food and protection.
Pupal The crematogaster scutellaris enters a quiescent pupal stage within a cocoon. During this phase, it undergoes significant transformation, developing legs, antennae, and wings (in winged forms). Its body size and shape are being reorganized.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult crematogaster scutellaris's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs, in reproductive individuals. Workers are wingless but fully formed, focusing on colony tasks.
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Adult Size of Crematogaster scutellaris
3.5 - 8 mm
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Predators of Crematogaster scutellaris Larvae
Ant-loving crickets, ant-eating spiders, parasitic wasps, parasitic flies
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Predators of Adult Crematogaster scutellaris
Tamanduas, anteaters, marmosets, woodpeckers, horned lizards, ant-specialist arachnids
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Interesting Facts About Crematogaster scutellaris
Crematogaster scutellaris can rotate its abdomen over its thorax and head, resembling a scorpion, a unique posture for threatening adversaries or communicating with colony members.
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Scientific Classification of Crematogaster scutellaris
Tips for Finding Crematogaster scutellaris
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How Can You Attract Crematogaster scutellaris
To attract crematogaster scutellaris, individuals should use sweet substances or protein-based baits such as sugar water, honey, bits of fruit, or small pieces of meat.
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Habitat Preferences of Crematogaster scutellaris Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of crematogaster scutellaris are typically found in the secure, humid environment of their nest, often located underground or in rotting wood. Larvae develop in the nest's nursery chambers, where workers tend to them. Pupae, resembling whitish cocoons, are also kept within the nest, guarded and fed by the colony until they emerge as adults. To observe these stages, one would search in and around crematogaster scutellaris nests, carefully examining the nest's structure and contents. Adult crematogaster scutellaris, which are the foragers, can be found outside the nest, often on plants or the ground, scavenging for food to bring back to the colony.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Crematogaster scutellaris
The best time to find crematogaster scutellaris usually is on warm and sunny days. Early morning or late afternoon when they are most active are optimal times.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Crematogaster scutellaris
Preferably during dry conditions as crematogaster scutellaris are less active in colder or rainy weather which affects their foraging.
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How and Where Can You Find Crematogaster scutellaris at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of crematogaster scutellaris are found inside the nest. To safely observe larval crematogaster scutellaris, one could locate a nest and observe its entrance for worker ants carrying larvae, without disturbing the nest itself.
Pupal Crematogaster scutellaris pupae will also be within the colony's nest. They can occasionally be spotted when nests are exposed, but care should be taken not to damage the nest structure or stress the inhabitants.
Adult Adult crematogaster scutellaris can be found foraging for food. Look for them on the ground, around plants with extrafloral nectaries, or on trees with aphid populations. Following a foraging line can often lead back to the nest.
Are Crematogaster scutellaris harmful?
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Usually, the crematogaster scutellaris won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Crematogaster scutellaris harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Crematogaster scutellaris
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Toxic to Animals
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Animals

Crematogaster scutellaris utilizes its toxin as a method to subdue prey. The toxin is delivered through a bite via specialized mouthparts. While primarily affecting smaller organisms, the intensity of the toxicity can range from mild irritation to severe reactions. For example, humans and domestic animals such as dogs and cats may experience discomfort or allergic reactions. The adult stage of crematogaster scutellaris is responsible for the secretion of the venom that causes these adverse effects.

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Bite Humans

Crematogaster scutellaris, typically a non-aggressive species, do not characteristically bite humans. Instances of this behavior are uncommon unless the ants feel threatened or their nest is disturbed, leading to a defense response. The bites are usually mild with minimal immediate consequences.

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Structural Pests

Crematogaster scutellaris is considered a structural pest due to its potential to inhabit and damage buildings. In their development as larvae and adults, they can compromise wooden structures and cabling. Damages can range from mild to severe, causing issues like weakened structural integrity and electrical faults. People may face repair expenses and safety hazards due to their destructive behavior.

More Effects of Crematogaster scutellaris

Beneficial Effects of Crematogaster scutellaris
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Decomposers
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
Crematogaster scutellaris acts as an important decomposer throughout its larval and adult stages, processing organic waste such as dead animals, plant remains, and household refuse. These insects contribute to nutrient recycling by breaking down complex materials into simpler substances that plants can absorb. A fascinating aspect of crematogaster scutellaris is their cooperative decomposing endeavors, showcasing sophisticated social behaviors even in waste management.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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