Crematogaster scutellaris, commonly known as the European red wood ant or hormiga roja de los bosques, is a distinctive species of ant found in the Comunidad Valenciana and throughout Southern Europe. This species is easily recognizable due to its striking color and unique nesting habits.

Characteristics:

• Coloration: Their body characteristically displays a contrasting coloration with a reddish head and thorax, and a dark brown or black gaster.
• Size: Workers typically range from 3 to 5 millimeters in length, though queens can be significantly larger, up to 8 millimeters.
• Nesting: They usually build their nests in tree trunks or stumps, utilizing the wood to construct their intricate colonies. Occasionally, they may also be found in soil or under rocks.
• Diet: Crematogaster scutellaris are omnivorous, feeding on both plant-based and animal-based materials. They are known to care for aphids to harvest their honeydew and may also consume some small arthropods.

Behavior:

• Defense: One of the most notable behaviors of these ants is their aggressive defensive mechanism. When threatened, they will raise their gaster, spraying formic acid towards the perceived threat.
• Social Structure: Their colonies exhibit a dynamic social structure with a clear division of labor among the queen, workers, and soldiers.

These ants are an important part of the ecosystem in the Comunidad Valenciana, contributing to the aeration of soil and the biological control of certain pests. Being aware of their characteristics can help residents and visitors to identify and understand their role in the local environment.