Crematogaster (Acrobat Ants) Ant Care
Introduction to Crematogaster Ants 🏜️🐜
Crematogaster ants, commonly known as acrobat ants, are a highly adaptable genus found across the U.S's diverse landscapes. These ants are recognized by their heart-shaped gaster, which they can raise defensively when threatened. Known for their aggressive foraging, quick colony expansion, and efficient protein hunting, Crematogaster ants play a significant ecological role in our native ecosystems.
Key Traits of Crematogaster Ants ✅
✔ Highly Defensive – Acrobat ants raise their gaster and spray formic acid when threatened.
✔ Omnivorous Diet – They consume sugars, proteins, and small insects.
✔ Fast Colony Growth – Unlike slow-growing genera, Crematogaster species expand rapidly.
✔ Active Foragers – They explore their environment aggressively, making them fascinating to observe.
✔ Heat-Tolerant – Adapted to California’s dry and warm conditions.
Native Crematogaster Species 🌍
Notable Species:
🌿 Crematogaster californica
One of the most common species in California, found in chaparral, woodlands, and coastal regions. It thrives in warm, dry environments and is highly aggressive when defending its territory.
🔥 Crematogaster hespera
A widespread species in southern and central California, often found in grasslands and open woodlands. It is an efficient scavenger and predator, consuming dead insects and honeydew.
🌾 Crematogaster coarctata
This species is commonly found in higher elevations and dry shrublands, where it plays a key role in controlling insect populations. Highly opportunistic, it nests in various soil conditions and adapts well to changing environments.
Crematogaster Colony Growth Stages & Care 🏡
Crematogaster colonies develop quickly, requiring specific care at each stage.
Four Key Phases of Colony Growth
🌱 Founding Stage – The queen establishes her first workers.
🌿 Starter Colony (5-50 workers) – Workers begin foraging actively.
🏗 Medium Colony (50-500 workers) – The colony expands rapidly, requiring more food and space.
🏰 Well-Established Colony (500+ workers) – The colony reaches peak productivity and requires consistent upkeep.
Phase 1: Founding Stage 🌱
The founding stage is a critical period for a Crematogaster queen, as she is entirely on her own until her first workers (nanitics) arrive. Unlike some species that leave the nest to search for food, Crematogaster queens are fully claustral, meaning they survive solely on their internal energy reserves while raising their first batch of brood. She will remain inside her test tube setup, laying eggs and tending to the developing larvae.
At this stage, stability is everything. Frequent disturbances, such as light, vibrations, or movement, can stress the queen and cause her to eat her own eggs. It’s best to leave her undisturbed and only check occasionally for mold or water depletion. The eggs will hatch into larvae within a few weeks, and the queen will nourish them using stored nutrients. The entire founding process typically takes 6-8 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Keeping the test tube at a consistent 80-85°F (27-29°C) with a gentle heat source can speed up development. Once the first workers emerge, they will take over foraging duties, marking the transition into the next phase of colony growth.
Test Tube Setup (Essential for Early Success) 🧪
✔ Tube Size: 16-20mm diameter test tubes provide ample space.
✔ Water Source: Fill one-third of the tube with water, sealed with cotton for hydration.
✔ Minimal Disturbance: Avoid frequent checking, as stress can lead to egg consumption.
🔥 Optimal Temperature:
✔ 80-85°F (27-29°C) – Slightly warm temperatures promote faster brood development.
✔ A gentle heat gradient using a heating cable is recommended, placed near the open end of the test tube.
Once nanitics emerge, the colony transitions to the starter phase, where workers begin foraging.
Phase 2: Starter Colony (5-50 Workers) 🌿
Once the first generation of workers (nanitics) arrives, the colony officially becomes active. These early workers are small and fragile, but they take over the queen’s duties—foraging, feeding the brood, and maintaining the nest. At this stage, protein is the most important part of their diet, as it directly supports larval growth. The best options are flightless fruit flies, crushed mealworms, or small pieces of roach nymphs, which are easy for nanitics to handle. Sugars, like sugar water or nectar, should be offered regularly to keep the workers energized.
Since the colony is still small, they can remain in their test tube setup for a while, but adding an outworld (a "tub and tube" setup) gives them space to forage without disrupting the queen. Keeping their environment clean and free of waste is crucial—rotting food can lead to mold, bacteria, or mite infestations, which can be deadly at this stage. Crematogaster workers are quick and curious, so applying a fluon or PTFE barrier around their foraging area helps prevent escapes. With a steady food supply, a clean and secure setup, and minimal disturbances, the colony will continue growing and preparing for its next phase.
🍯 Sugars for Energy:
✔ Sugar water (1:3 ratio of sugar to water)
✔ ByFormica Sunburst Ant Nectar
🥜 Protein for Growth:
✔ Flightless fruit flies – Easy for nanitics to consume.
✔ Crushed mealworms or small roach nymphs – Ideal prey size.
📅 Feeding Schedule:
✔ Sugars: Every 3-7 days (constant access is ideal).
✔ Protein: At least once per week, increasing as the colony grows.
💡 Tip: Avoid oversized prey—small colonies struggle to consume large food items, leading to waste buildup.
🏠 Tub & Tube Setup (Recommended for Young Colonies)
✔ A secure plastic container with a fluon/PTFE barrier prevents escapes.
Phase 3: Medium Colony (50-500 Workers) 🏗
Once a Crematogaster colony grows past 50 workers, things start to pick up quickly. With more mouths to feed, their demand for protein increases, making regular feedings of small crickets, chopped mealworms, roach nymphs, and fruit flies essential for brood development. Sugars, like sugar water or nectar, should always be available to keep the workers energized for foraging and nest maintenance. As the colony expands, a test tube setup will no longer be enough, and it’s time to move them into a larger nest. Options like tub and tube setups, acrylic nests, or moisture-controlled formicaria work well to give them room to grow. With more activity comes more waste, so keeping the outworld clean is important—uneaten food and debris should be removed regularly to prevent mold, mites, and bacteria from becoming an issue. Crematogaster ants are also known for their curiosity and persistence, so making sure their enclosure is escape-proof is key, as they will constantly test barriers. With the right balance of food, space, and security, the colony will continue growing rapidly, moving closer to full maturity.
🥜 Feeding Colonies:
✔ Sugars: Constant access at all times.
✔ Protein: 2-3 times per week.
Best Prey Items:
✔ Small crickets
✔ Cut-up mealworms
✔ Diced roach nymphs
✔ Fruit flies (for smaller workers)
💡 Tip: Crematogaster ants quickly dispose of unwanted food, but removing uneaten protein within 24 hours prevents mold issues.
🏠 Upgrading the Nest: When & How
✔ Move to a larger nest when the colony reaches 30-50 workers.
✔ Best Nest Options:
- Tub & Tube setups – Allows gradual expansion.
- Soil-based nests – Suitable for ground-nesting species like Crematogaster mormonum.
- Acrylic or Ytong nests – Retains moisture well for growing colonies.
💡 Tip: Crematogaster ants are strong explorers—ensure all enclosures are escape-proof!
Phase 4: Well-Established Colony (500+ Workers) 🏰
A fully mature Crematogaster colony with over 500 workers is a fast-paced, highly organized system that requires plenty of food, expanded nesting space, and regular upkeep. At this stage, the colony’s need for protein and sugars is at its peak, with workers eagerly consuming full-sized crickets, mealworms, superworms, and even live roaches to support their ever-growing brood. A constant supply of sugar water or nectar is essential to fuel their energy-demanding foraging and nest maintenance. As the colony expands, overcrowding becomes an issue, making larger modular nests a necessity. Hybrid Nests, Tarheel Ants formicaria, and custom moisture-controlled setups work well for housing a growing colony. Around this time, the colony may also begin producing alates (winged reproductives), signaling reproductive maturity. Keepers can choose to remove them or let the colony regulate their numbers naturally. Outworld maintenance is now more important than ever, as food scraps, dead workers, and waste build up quickly, creating risks of mold, mites, and bacteria if left unchecked. Escape prevention is critical, as Crematogaster ants are persistent explorers that will test every barrier. With plenty of space, consistent feeding, and secure housing, a Crematogaster colony can thrive for years, offering an active and rewarding ant-keeping experience.
🥩 High Protein Demand:
✔ Full-sized crickets, large mealworms, and live roaches sustain high brood production.
✔ Sugar sources must remain constantly available to fuel worker activity.
🏠 Expanding the Nest:
✔ Modular nests like Tarheel Ants formicaria provide room for growth.
✔ Multiple connected nests ensure expansion without crowding.
✔ Proper hydration control is essential for brood health.
💡 Tip: Crematogaster colonies may start producing alates (winged reproductives)—these can be removed or left in the colony.
Final Tips for Success 🏆
✔ Patience is Key – Crematogaster grow quickly, but for colonies to become massive takes time.
✔ Keep a Feeding Log – Track diet and adjust accordingly.
✔ Prevent Mold – Remove uneaten protein quickly.
✔ Join an Ant-Keeping Community – Learn from experienced keepers.
📸 Instagram: @antlantisofficial
📧 Email: support@antlantis.com
💬 Join the "Ants & Ant Keeping" Discord and the "Ant-Keeping & Ethology" Discord.
🐜🏆 By following this care guide, your Camponotus colony will thrive!
Photo Credits:
Photo 460427946, (c) Alessandher Piva, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alessandher Piva