Crematogaster aberrans is a species of ant belonging to the genus Crematogaster within the subfamily Myrmicinae. The species was first formally described by the Swiss entomologist Auguste-Henri Forel in 1892. Like other members of its genus, it is commonly referred to as an "acrobat ant," a name derived from the characteristic habit of members of this genus to raise their abdomen (gaster) over their thorax when disturbed.
Taxonomy and Classification
Crematogaster aberrans is classified under the tribe Crematogastrini. Within the genus Crematogaster, it has historically been associated with the subgenus Physocrema. The species was identified based on specimens collected in South Asia.
Distribution
The known geographic range of Crematogaster aberrans is primarily centered in South and Southeast Asia. Specific records have documented its presence in regions of India (notably Kanara) and Myanmar.
Morphology and Behavior
While specific ecological studies on C. aberrans are limited, it shares several anatomical features common to the Crematogaster genus. These include a postpetiole that attaches to the dorsal surface of the gaster, rather than the anterior end, which facilitates the extreme flexibility of the abdomen. The gaster is typically heart-shaped when viewed from above.
As a member of the Myrmicinae subfamily, C. aberrans possesses a sting, though in many Crematogaster species, the sting is modified to apply defensive secretions rather than for piercing. Most species in this genus are arboreal or nest in wood, though specific nesting habits for C. aberrans remain a subject for further specialized entomological research.
Insufficient Encyclopedic Information
Detailed information regarding the specific diet, colony structure, and conservation status of Crematogaster aberrans is currently lacking in general encyclopedic literature. Most available data is restricted to taxonomic catalogs and historical entomological surveys.