Crematogaster alluaudi

Distribution based on Regional Taxon Lists
Palaearctic Region: Canary Islands.

Biology
Espadaler (2007) - Canary Islands: From 20 to 760 m. The specimens from El Hierro are somewhat more pilose and the pubescence on the head, gaster and legs is more detached, than in populations from Tenerife. The enhanced pilosity and pubescence is also present in samples from the island of La Palma. This species nests in dead shrubs and is rather inconspicuous unless one happens to touch the vegetation or breaks their nest: then they rush out and come to any available surface, fiercely biting the skin. On examining the surface of leaves of Aeonium sp. (Crassulaceae) plants at Ladera Cabello, I found dead ants attached to the viscous surface. Those crassulaceous plants are a trap for flying insects: seven males of C. alluaudi, one of Solenopsis canariensis, one possibily of Temnothorax bimbache and one queen of the big Camponotus atlantis hesperius were recovered from a few plants, in addition to many small flies. Crawling insects may also be trapped, as shown by the capture of two workers of Camponotus guanchus and one small carabid beetle.

Nomenclature

 *  alluaudi. Crematogaster alluaudi Emery, 1893c: 83 (w.) SPAIN (Canary Is). Santschi, 1921e: 168 (q.); Santschi, 1937e: 299 (m.). Combination in C. (Atopogyne): Santschi, 1916b: 501; in C. (Acrocoelia): Emery, 1922e: 142; in C. (Crematogaster): Bolton, 1995b: 166. Current subspecies: nominal plus noualhieri.