Crematogaster
Crematogaster auberti
Care Guide
Crematogaster auberti is a charming and relatively compact species that captivates keepers with its lively demeanour and distinctive appearance. These ants are easily recognised by their heart-shaped gaster (abdomen), which they often raise upright when threatened or excited — a behaviour that gives them the common name “acrobat ants.” Queens measure between 6 and 8 mm, while workers range from 3 to 5 mm, making the colony visually uniform but no less fascinating. They are claustral founders, meaning the queen seals herself into a chamber after mating and raises her first brood without foraging, relying on her own fat reserves and wing muscles. Once established, a mature colony can number between 500 and 2,000 workers — a size that is manageable for most intermediate keepers while still offering a satisfying level of activity. Crematogaster auberti is semi-arboreal in nature and appreciates a setup that includes vertical climbing surfaces and nest chambers that mimic wood or hollow plant stems. Their foraging behaviour is energetic and bold; workers will rapidly recruit nestmates to food sources, making them a delight to watch during feeding time.
Care difficulty
Keeping Crematogaster auberti is best suited to keepers with some experience, placing them at an intermediate difficulty level. While their needs are not overly demanding, they do require consistent attention to temperature and humidity, and their ability to sting (which can cause a mild but noticeable reaction) calls for careful handling during maintenance. Their diet is fortunately straightforward: they thrive on a varied menu of small insects such as fruit flies, crickets, or mealworms, alongside sugar water or honeydew. Unlike seed-based species, protein is essential for brood development, so regular insect feedings are necessary. The colony profits from a steady supply of both carbohydrates and protein, and they will eagerly accept any offered prey.
Housing
Providing the right home for Crematogaster auberti means replicating their natural arboreal environment. A formicarium with a combination of a dry, well-ventilated arena and a humid nest area works best. The nest should offer several chambers that can be maintained at 50–70% humidity, while the outworld remains drier to prevent mold. They appreciate vertical structures like cork bark, twigs, or even climbing walls in the arena. Temperature should be kept between 22 and 28°C, with a gradient so the ants can thermoregulate. A heating cable or mat placed on one side of the nest works well. Crucially, these ants require a winter diapause: from late autumn to early spring, they should be cooled gradually to around 10°C for several months. Without this hibernation period, the colony may fail to thrive or even collapse.
First days after purchase
Upon receiving your Crematogaster auberti colony, transfer them into their new home as quickly and gently as possible. Place the formicarium in a quiet, dimly lit spot and refrain from disturbing them for the first few days. Offer a small drop of sugar water and a tiny insect to help them settle. Observe from a distance — vibrations and bright light can stress the young colony. Over the first week, gradually introduce a normal feeding schedule and check that humidity levels in the nest are adequate. Patience is key; once acclimatised, these acrobatic ants will reward you with a wonderfully animated display of coordinated foraging and nest maintenance.
