Crematogaster depilis

This species nests at base of desert shrubs (Eriogonum, Larrea, Opuntia, Yucca, Dasylirion, Hamatocactus, Franseria, Ephedra) or in the branches of mesquite. Nests are occasionally found under stones or under cattle manure. Brood is present in nests in August and September. It is primarily an individual forager which collect nectar from flowers, or tends scale insects. They are often found foraging on cholla (Opuntia spp.), and occasionally on oaks. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Identification
Key to western US Crematogaster

Distribution
Southern California and east to Texas, south to northern Mexico.

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



Habitat
Mackay and Mackay (2002) - Desert communities, except grasslands without shrubs, creosotebush scrub, mesquite forests, up into pinyon-juniper and oak woodlands (2100 meters elevation).

Biology
Nevada, Wheeler and Wheeler (1986) - One nest was under a stone; for all other records (when data were given) the workers were at the base of desert plants (1 Eriogonum, 4 Larrea, 1 Opuntia, 1 Yucca).

Nomenclature

 *  depilis. Crematogaster opaca var. depilis Wheeler, W.M. 1919g: 111 (w.) U.S.A. [First available use of Crematogaster lineolata subsp. opaca var. depilis Wheeler, W.M. 1908e: 478; unavailable name.] Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1973a: 28 (l.). Combination in C. (Acrocoelia): Emery, 1922e: 141; in C. (Crematogaster): Buren, 1968b: 93. Subspecies of punctulata: Enzmann, J. 1946c: 93. Raised to species: Creighton, 1950a: 209; Buren, in Smith, M.R. 1958c: 126.