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Project Noah Nature School
Crematogaster laeviuscula
Crematogaster is an ecologically diverse genus of ants found worldwide, which are characterised by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster (abdomen), which gives one of their common names, Valentine Ant. It is the only genus of the tribe Crematogastrini. Most of the species are arboreal. These ants are sometimes known as acrobat ants.
Often found on trees and plants, but these reside under a small piece of railroad tie in my backyard.
When disturbed, these ants began moving their brood. I snapped a few shots and left them to their business. In the final image you can see a winged queen, readying herself for her nuptial flight.
Spotted on Jun 8, 2011
Submitted on Feb 18, 2012
4 Comments
I checked out that mission, Karen, and it's geared toward insects that show a parent caring for the brood. It states, "This is NOT a mission for surrogate care as seen in COLONIAL ants, bees, wasps, etc." :-(
Cool!
Great spot! You should also add this to the Brooding Behavior in Insects mission.
I should have posted this spotting on February 14th. ;-)