Crematogaster ampla

In somes areas of Brazil C. ampla is parasitized by Cephalotes specularis, which is able to find and exploit foraging trails of C. ampla.

Identification
Longino (2003) - A Crematogaster crinosa-complex species. Crematogaster ampla has a distinctive character that distinguishes it from all other Crematogaster. The fourth abdominal tergite has a subtriangular impression posterior to the postpetiolar insertion. This impression is completely smooth and shining, contrasting with the surrounding granular microsculpture. On some small workers the fourth abdominal tergite is completely smooth and shining, but the triangular impression is still distinct. In all other Crematogaster there may be an impression anterior to the postpetiole, but not posterior to it. Other characters are similar to crinosa, including a long, acute, anteroventral petiolar tooth, abundant setae on the fourth abdominal tergite, dorsal and posterior faces of propodeum meeting at an angle, and a strongly arched promesonotum. Unlike other crinosa complex species, the scapes and tibiae sometimes have one or two erect setae, especially on large workers.

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Neotropical Region: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay.

Biology
Koch et al. (2018) sampled this species in Caryocar barsiliense trees, in southeastern Brazil cerrado, as part of a study examining species interactions in ant-plants.

Nomenclature

 *  ampla. Crematogaster brevispinosa var. ampla Forel, 1912f: 211 (w.) COLOMBIA. Combination in C. (Orthocrema): Emery, 1922e: 134. Raised to species: Longino, 2003a: 128.

Type Material
Longino (2003) - Syntype workers: Colombia, Magdalena, Santa Cruz near Santa Marta (Forel) (examined, worker here designated LECTOTYPE).

The syntypes at MHNG were a combination of Crematogaster ampla and Crematogaster crinosa, necessitating designation of a lectotype.