Crematogaster auberti

Nuptial Flight Calendar

Flight months: Jul, Aug, Sep

Crematogaster auberti, a striking ant of the Mediterranean region, captivates keepers with its elegant form and lively behaviour. Queens measure a modest 6 to 8 mm, while the monomorphic minor workers range from just 2.5 to 4 mm, their bodies a polished reddish-brown to deep chestnut that gleams under light. The colony, founded claustrally by a single queen, can swell to an impressive 10,000 individuals, yet all share the genus’s hallmark: a heart-shaped gaster held poised over the thorax, ready to flex upward in a defensive display unique among European ants (Seifert 2018). When disturbed, workers arc their abdomens forward like tiny scorpions, a posture that both intimidates and charms. Their native range stretches from the Iberian Peninsula across southern France and Italy to the Balkans and North Africa, with nuptial flights reported in July through September on warm, humid afternoons following summer rains (Galkowski et al. 2019). Observing a mature colony foraging in a carefully set-up arena reveals a ceaseless, cooperative current of tiny bodies, making this species a miniature marvel of social organisation.

Though undeniably enchanting, Crematogaster auberti is best described as an intermediate challenge, suited to keepers who have already mastered a few hardy beginner species. Their minute size and extraordinary speed demand vigilance: a moment’s inattention during feeding or maintenance can lead to escapes, as these ants climb smooth vertical surfaces with ease and can exploit the tiniest gap. They are also sensitive to humidity fluctuations, and a colony that dries out will rapidly decline. For those with a year or more of ant-keeping experience, however, the species is deeply rewarding. The ants’ ceaseless activity and fascinating defensive behaviour offer a constant window into complex social dynamics, and the moderate colony size means a thriving nest never outgrows a well-planned domestic formicarium. Beginners attracted by the genus would do better to start with a more forgiving species before taking on this lively southern beauty.

Housing must replicate the warm, moderately humid microhabitats the ants favour in the wild, typically under stones or in dead wood within open, sun-drenched landscapes. A plaster, ytong, or cork nest works well, provided it offers a thermal gradient with one end kept between 22 and 28°C via a heat mat or cable — never directly under the nest, but along one side to allow the ants to self-regulate. Humidity should sit steadily at 40–60%, achieved through a combination of ventilation holes and a water-filled test tube or moistened portion of the nest; too much moisture invites mould, too little desiccates the brood. A fine layer of sand or soil in the outworld is appreciated for foraging and minor excavation, though the main nest is best left substrate-free for easy observation. Secure the arena with a high-quality fluon or PTFE barrier, as these ants are accomplished escape artists that will test every millimetre above their foraging tray.

Feeding Crematogaster auberti is straightforward once their needs are understood. They are avid protein consumers, readily accepting small live or pre-killed insects such as fruit flies, micro-crickets, and chopped mealworms; offer protein two or three times a week, removing uneaten prey after a day to prevent spoilage. Their carbohydrate appetite is best satisfied with a droplet of honey or sugar water on a small piece of foil or in a liquid feeder, replenished as it is drained — the workers will eagerly recruit nestmates to a sweet find. Always provide a clean water source, either via a test tube or a drinking station with a cotton wick, as desiccation is a serious risk in warm set-ups. Some keepers note that workers will also scavenge for pollen or insect hemolymph, but a simple insect-and-honey regimen sustains them perfectly.

A true winter dormancy is not optional for this species; it is a hardwired requirement for the colony’s long-term health and fertility. As autumn arrives, gradually reduce the temperature over several weeks until a steady 12°C is maintained, typically in a dark, quiet spot such as a cool cellar or a dedicated wine cooler. During this three- to four-month hibernation, feeding ceases entirely, but a slight moisture source must remain so the ants do not desiccate. Queen and workers cluster in a torpid ball, barely moving. In late winter, slowly raise the temperature back to the active range and offer a tiny droplet of sugar water upon waking. Skipping or shortening this dormant period often results in a weak colony that fails to rear new generations or a queen that ceases egg-laying prematurely (Seifert 2018).

Upon receiving your new Crematogaster auberti queen, patience is the most vital tool. She will almost certainly arrive in a test tube setup, and she should remain there in complete darkness and quiet for at least two to three weeks, checked only briefly every few days. Once the first tiny workers eclose, the colony is ready for its first meal: a miniscule piece of fruit fly or a faint smear of honey on the cotton plug. At this stage, move the tube into a small outworld if desired, but resist the urge to transfer them into a larger nest until the worker count reaches at least 20 to 30, as premature expansion can cause stress and hinder brood development. Watch for tell-tale signs of trouble — a queen that wanders restlessly, workers that refuse food, or visible mould in the tube — and keep a secure lid fitted the moment the outworld is attached. With steady care, the colony will soon gain momentum, rewarding your diligence with the daily theatre of a thriving Crematogaster household.