Crematogaster scutellaris
Temperature
22–28 °C
Humidity
50–70%
Colony size
3,000–15,000
Queen size
8–10 mm
Worker size
3.5–5 mm
Hibernation temp
12 °C
Diet
Care Guide
Crematogaster scutellaris, commonly known as the acrobat ant, is a charming and visually distinctive species that gets its name from the heart-shaped gaster that workers can raise high above their bodies, particularly when threatened or excited. This behaviour gives them an unmistakable silhouette as they scurry through their nests. Queens measure between 8 and 10 millimetres, while workers range from 3.5 to 5 millimetres, making for a medium-sized colony that typically grows to several thousand individuals. What makes this species especially appealing is their energetic disposition and the way they use their unique gaster to spray formic acid as a defence — a fascinating behaviour to observe in a captive setup.
Care difficulty
Keeping Crematogaster scutellaris is ideally suited for beginners. Their claustral founding means the queen seals herself inside a chamber after mating and raises her first workers without any need for feeding, making the initial establishment straightforward. Once the colony is active, their diet is simple and easily available: they thrive on a mix of sugary liquids such as sugar water or honeydew and protein-rich insects like fruit flies, crickets, or mealworms. They also appreciate the occasional sweet treat from natural honeydew sources. With a wide tolerance for temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 50 to 70 percent, these ants adapt well to typical indoor conditions. A note for seasonal keepers: they do require a winter diapause at around 12 degrees Celsius for a few months to maintain long‑term health and reproductive success.
Housing
Because Crematogaster scutellaris is naturally arboreal — often nesting in dead wood or hollow twigs — their formicarium should offer vertical surfaces and wooden or cork elements for climbing and nesting. A test tube setup works well for a young colony, but as they grow, provide a modular system with chambers that can be kept slightly drier than the foraging area. Nest humidity should be maintained in the middle of their preferred range, with one part kept moister to allow the brood to develop. These ants appreciate a well‑structured arena with twigs or bark where they can perform their acrobatic displays. They are not particularly sensitive to light or vibration during the early stages, but like all ants, they do best in a quiet location with minimal disturbance after major changes.
First days after purchase
Upon receiving your colony, transfer them into their new formicarium following the supplier’s instructions. Place the setup in a calm, dimly lit spot and let the ants settle for at least a day before offering any food. Provide a drop of sugar water on a small cotton ball and a tiny insect piece near the entrance — they will find it when ready. Resist the urge to check on them constantly; observe from a distance to ensure they are drinking and beginning to explore. Within a few days, the colony should start moving freely, and you can then gradually offer a varied diet. With their lively behaviour and manageable care, Crematogaster scutellaris will reward you with endless moments of acrobatic wonder.