Crematogaster cerasi

Identification
Key to Crematogaster of the eastern United States

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Nearctic Region: Canada, United States. Neotropical Region: Mexico.

Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats. In New Mexico (Mackay and Mackay 2002): Chihuahuan Desert along mountain slopes, grasslands, pinyon-juniper, oak, sagebrush, ponderosa pine, fir forests, and riparian habitats, up to 2350 meters elevation.

New Mexico
Mackay and Mackay (2002) - This species commonly nests under stones, or under a log (1 nest); brood and reproductives were found in nests from May to August. This is one of the most common Crematogaster spp. in mesic and xeric sites in New Mexico. Workers are sometimes aggressive when the nest is disturbed. Foragers are often found on vegetation, especially cholla (Opuntia spp.). This species may be polygynous, as multiple, dealate females are often encountered in nests. Two colonies were nesting with Camponotus festinatus.

Nomenclature

 *  cerasi. Myrmica cerasi Fitch, 1855: 835 (w.) U.S.A. Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1973a: 28 (l.). Combination in Crematogaster: Roger, 1863b: 37; in C. (Acrocoelia): Emery, 1922e: 141; in C. (Crematogaster): Buren, 1968b: 92. Junior synonym of lineolata: Dalla Torre, 1893: 83; Creighton, 1950a: 213. Revived from synonymy as subspecies of lineolata: Smith, M.R. 1951a: 809. Revived status as species, senior synonym of kennedyi and material of the unavailable name punctinodis referred here: Buren, in Smith, M.R. 1958c: 125. See also: Buren, 1968b: 92; Johnson, C. 1988: 318.
 * kennedyi. Crematogaster (Acrocoelia) kennedyi Wheeler, W.M. 1930e: 58 (q.m.) U.S.A. Junior synonym of cerasi: Buren, in Smith, M.R. 1958c: 126.