Origins and Species Facts:

The genus Crematogaster, commonly known as acrobat ants, is a diverse group found throughout the world, with a particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. These ants are easily recognized by their distinctive heart-shaped gaster (the rear part of their body), which they can raise and point forward when threatened. This unique feature, along with their agile movement, gives them the name "acrobat ants."

Crematogaster ants are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to form large colonies. They are arboreal, often nesting in trees, rotting wood, or under bark, but some species also nest in the soil or leaf litter. These ants have a varied diet, feeding on a mix of honeydew from aphids and other insects. Their unique appearance and interesting behaviors make them a popular choice for ant enthusiasts.

Founding:

To successfully establish a Crematogaster queen, it is important to minimize stress by avoiding unnecessary movement or vibrations. Crematogaster queens are fully claustral, meaning they do not need to leave the founding chamber for food until the first generation of workers, known as nanitics, is born.

During the founding stage, the queen relies on her stored energy reserves to produce her initial brood. Providing a stable, quiet environment is crucial to ensuring the successful establishment of the colony. The founding process can take several weeks to a couple of months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Starter Colony:

Once the first workers emerge, you can begin feeding the colony. Crematogaster ants are omnivorous and have a diverse diet. They enjoy a mixture of sugars and proteins. Suitable feeder insects include fruit flies, small crickets, mealworms, and pieces of larger insects. You can also provide sugar water (a mixture of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water). Small pieces of fruit can also be offered as an occasional treat.

Enclosure:

For the early stages of colony development, a "tub and tube" setup is recommended. This setup involves placing the test tube nest inside a larger container (the tub) with a thick fluon barrier applied inside to prevent escapes. The tub provides ample space for the ants to forage and explore while keeping them safely contained.

As Crematogaster ants are arboreal, providing some vertical space and climbing materials like small twigs or bark can help replicate their natural environment. This will allow them to exhibit their natural climbing and foraging behaviors.

Feeding:

Once the colony has a stable population of workers and is in the tub and tube setup, regular feeding is crucial. Provide small pieces of insect protein and sugar water inside the enclosure. Adjust the feeding schedule and amount based on the colony's consumption.

Crematogaster ants are known for their quick and efficient foraging, so it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure they have a consistent supply of both protein and carbohydrates. When introducing sugar water, use a pen or another tool to break the surface tension of the drops, or consider using a byFormica feeder to prevent drowning.

Heating:

Maintaining the proper temperature is key to the optimal growth of Crematogaster ants. A Zoomed heating cable is recommended, with a target temperature range of 80-85°F. Pairing the cable with a thermostat is the best way to ensure proper temperatures. Place the heating cable under the edge of the test tube where the open end is located, allowing the ants to regulate their temperature by moving closer to or further from the heat source.

When using the tub and tube setup, position the heating cable under the tub, towards the open end of the test tube, to create a temperature gradient. This helps the ants find their preferred microenvironment within the enclosure.

Nests for Expansion:

As the colony grows and reaches approximately 30-50 workers, you may consider moving them into a larger nest. The new nest should provide ample space for the colony to expand and should allow the ants to occupy at least a quarter of the available space.

Given Crematogaster ants' arboreal nature, consider a nest that offers vertical space or includes materials that replicate their natural nesting sites, such as bark or wooden chambers. Quality nests designed specifically for arboreal or semi-arboreal species are available from suppliers like Tarheel Ants.

---

For additional support or questions, feel free to reach out on Instagram @eukarya.world, by email at ryan@eukarya.world, or join the Ants & Ant Keeping Discord community.