Atlas of Habitats

colony

0.002 m³

at 1.7 m

6.7499ºN

L04 [woody] nest

wood

glueing

mixed

invertebrates

L04 [woody] nest

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Introduction

Liberia
Robertsport Shipwreck Trail
6.7499°N, 11.3667°W
08/04/2024, 12:40 pm

In trees, one can often spot the large, woody nests built by tree ants, such as those from the Crematogaster and Polyrhachis species. These nests are typically situated within the forks of trees, where they serve as protective homes to the ants. Remarkably, these nests also attract other wildlife, like the rufous woodpecker, which is known to carve out its own nesting space within the ant nests, demonstrating the intricate relationship that exists between the species.

Micro Climate

These ants typically select moist, shaded areas for nest construction, often found within dense foliage or decaying wood. The microclimate inside the nests is regulated by the ants' construction techniques, which maintain a stable, humid environment that is crucial for their survival and the development of their larvae.

Material

Tree ants construct their nests by first chewing plant material, which they then use as a building material. The combination of chewed plant matter and their saliva forms a durable, flexible structure that can withstand the elements.

Location

Tree ants like the Crematogaster species are versatile when it somes to their habitat selection. While they are primarily arboreal, living in forests and woodland areas, they are also found in grasslands, pastures and marshes. These ants can thrive at elevations as high as 2,350 meters and are adaptable to both wet and dry environments, making them common across a wide range of ecological zones, from tropical forests to mountainous regions.

Construction

Crematogaster ants prefer to build their nests in trees, utilizing natural cavities such as underbark, within hollow stems, or in tree forks. However, they can also nest in decaying wood, under stones, or even within human structures like houses, where they favor tight spaces such as those found between shingles or around doors and windows. The nests are often globular in shape, constructed from a mixture of plant fibers and ant-produced secretions, making them both sturdy and adaptable to various environments.