Crematogaster larreae

A common species that nests in the roots of the creosotebush (Larrea tridentata).

Identification
Concolorous dark brown or black, and the mesosoma is densely and evenly punctate. The pranotal shoulders are without erect hairs, in fact there are rarely any erect hairs on the dorsum of the mesosoma. The head is finely sculptured with a mixture of punctures and striae, some parts, especially the central region, are nearly smooth and shining. (Mackay and Mackay 2002)

Distribution
California and east to west Texas, south into northern Mexico.

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

Habitat
Creosotebush scrub.

Biology
Mackay and Mackay (2002) - This ant nests in the roots of the creosotebush, Larrea tridentata, in galleries of wood boring beetles. A nest occupies a single bush, but may be in various roots of the same plant. There is a single queen and a mean of 789 adult ants in a nest. The larval population peaks in the fall and winter, pupae are found in the spring. Males are most commonly found in the nest in June, with flights occurring during the last 2 weeks of June and during July. Foragers are active 24 hours per day, with activity peaking in summer. They feed on nectar, honeydew and dead insects. They apparently cause no damage to the creosote, and may even form a mutualistic relationship with the shrub.

Nevada, Wheeler and Wheeler (1986) - We have 7 records from 6 localities in the southern part of the state; 2,800-5,800 ft. All are from the Hot Desert. Workers were found in the soil around the bases of desert plants (2 Larrea and 3 Ephedra).

Nomenclature

 *  larreae. Crematogaster (Crematogaster) larreae Buren, 1968b: 117 (w.q.m.) U.S.A.