Crematogaster

Crematogaster is a genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, widely distributed in warm temperate and tropical regions. They are commonly known as acrobat ants, a name derived from their habit of raising the heart-shaped abdomen over the thorax when disturbed or alarmed.

The genus is characterized by a heart-shaped gaster and a two-segment petiole (petiole and postpetiole) typical of many Myrmicinae. Coloration varies; workers are usually small to medium-sized, often brown, black, or reddish.

Crematogaster species nest in hollow plant stems, rotting wood, under bark, leaf axils, or in soil. Some species are arboreal. Foraging behavior is diverse; many feed on nectar and honeydew produced by aphids and other Hemiptera, as well as small arthropods and carrion. Several species tend sap-sucking insects for honeydew.

Colonies can be large and long-lived; queens and workers organize brood care and foraging. Reproduction occurs via mating flights in some species, while others spread by budding or by connecting nests.

Crematogaster is globally distributed, with high diversity in tropical regions.

Notable species include Crematogaster scutellaris in Europe and Crematogaster lineolata in North America.