Crematogaster vermiculata

The ant is found in but is not confined to cypress trees. It will utilize various hardwoods and shrubs close to standing water. I have several sizable nest series and all individuals of each colony express the C. vermiculata characters. (Johnson 1988)

Identification
Johnson 1988 - A reticulate pattern of ridges on thoracic dorsum gives a wrinkled, rugose texture, the most conspicuous sculpture in eastern species. Pubescence of head, thorax and gaster appressed, typical thoracic pubescence sparse. One or two fine, erect hairs on each humeral shoulder of pronotum. Propodeal spines short, SL/DB < 1.0; in dorsal view, outer and inner spine margins converge to direct apices straight to the rear; in lateral view, spine shape variable but apices directed obliquely upward. As with other species, the Florida specimens are typically blackish with bicolored specimens occurring northward.

Distribution
Johnson 1988 - Occurs through the Coastal Plain from North Carolina into Florida south at least into Marion County. Records are currently unavailable in northwest Florida but it has been reported from Louisiana and Arkansas.

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



Nomenclature

 *  vermiculata. Crematogaster vermiculata Emery, 1895c: 286 (w.) U.S.A. Wheeler, G.C. & Wheeler, J. 1960b: 13 (l.). Combination in C. (Acrocoelia): Emery, 1922e: 141; in C. (Crematogaster): Buren, 1968b: 91. Subspecies of coarctata: Creighton, 1950a: 209. Revived status as species: Buren, 1968b: 91 (in key); Johnson, C. 1988: 323. Material of the nomen nudum coachellai referred here by Brown, 1949a: 48.