Overview

  Crematogaster obscurata is a small (~2.3 mm) reddish brown arboreal species with a darker face and gaster, a trapezoidal petiole, and abundant flattened, semierect hairs dispersed across its head, mesosoma and gaster. The species is part of a complex of xerophilic species that occurs throughout the Neotropics (Longino, 2003), and has established a single introduced population in Florida (Deyrup, 2007; Deyrup et al., 2000). Crematogaster obscurata is treated in Longino’s (2003)revision, and Deyrup (2007)reviewed its identification, ecology and candidacy for eradication in Florida. The species is considered innocuous in both its native and introduced range.