Crematogaster heathi

Identification
Longino (2003) - A Crematogaster crinosa-complex species, C. heathi requires further taxonomic study. This species is part of a set of species that have a deep propodeal suture: The distinctive feature of these forms is a deeply invaginated propodeal suture and an elevated and compressed dorsal face of propodeum. From my cursory examination, Crematogaster goeldii, Crematogaster stigmatica, and Crematogaster unciata were very similar. They were bicolored, with red brown head and mesosoma and contrasting black gaster. The anteroventral petiolar tooth was moderately well developed and the pilosity was much like Crematogaster torosa. The types of Crematogaster chodati were uniform red brown, and the setae on the mesosoma and fourth abdominal tergite were longer and less flattened. The types of heathi had the coloration of goeldii and the pilosity of chodati. The invaginated propodeal suture is itself a variable character, grading into the condition seen in crinosa and torosa, and so the discussion regarding the forms with striate face applies here as well. Crematogaster goeldii and related forms may be synonyms of other species, multiple distinct species, or one variable species.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Brazil.

Nomenclature

 * . Crematogaster (Crematogaster) heathi Mann, 1916: 442, pl. 3, fig. 27 (w.) BRAZIL (Paraiba).
 * Type-material: syntype workers (number not stated, “a large number”).
 * Type-locality: Brazil: Paraiba, Independencia, 1911 (W.M. Mann).
 * Type-depositories: LACM, MCZC, MHNG.
 * Combination in C. (Orthocrema): Emery, 1922e: 135.
 * Status as species: Emery, 1922e: 135; Borgmeier, 1927c: 94; Kempf, 1972a: 87; Bolton, 1995b: 154; Longino, 2003a: 130.
 * Distribution: Brazil.

Type Material
Longino (2003) - Crematogaster heathi. Syntype workers: Brazil, Paraiba, Itamatahy near Independencia, from twigs (Mann), ] (examined).

References based on Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics

 * Mann W. M. 1916. The Stanford Expedition to Brazil, 1911, John C. Branner, Director. The ants of Brazil. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 60: 399-490