Crematogaster bonnieae

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Expert
• Origin & Habitat: Western Ghats mountains of Kerala, India, specifically the Periyar Tiger Reserve at 1630m elevation. The region is a protected forest area with a green hill landscape, one side covered by intact forest, the other by tea gardens ^[1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure is unconfirmed. Based on genus patterns, likely single-queen colonies (monogyne), but this has not been documented for this specific species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Unknown, no queen description published yet
  • Worker: Approximately 2-3mm total length, inferred from genus patterns given the head width of 0.66-0.68mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, the species appears uncommon with low foraging activity observed ^[1]
  • Growth: Unknown, no development data available
  • Development: Unknown, no direct measurements exist. Estimated 6-10 weeks at warm temperatures based on typical Crematogaster patterns. (This is a newly described species with no published development data. Estimates based on genus-level patterns.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: No specific data exists. Estimated 22-26°C based on the Western Ghats highland habitat (1630m elevation in tropical India). Avoid overheating, they likely prefer conditions cooler than typical room temperature.
  • Humidity: No specific data. Estimated moderate-to-high humidity (60-80%) based on the monsoon climate of the Western Ghats. Keep the nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unknown, no studies on overwintering requirements exist. The highland location suggests they may experience cooler seasonal temperatures, but whether they require a true dormancy period is unconfirmed.
  • Nesting: This is a tree-nesting (arboreal) species. Provide vertical climbing space and nesting options like cork bark, bamboo, or vertically-oriented setups. A Y-tong or plaster nest with small chambers works well. Include moss or damp substrate for humidity retention.
• Behavior: Little is known about their specific behavior. As acrobat ants, they likely have the characteristic habit of raising their gaster over their head when alarmed, this gives them their common name. Their small size (under 3mm total) means escape prevention is critical, they can squeeze through incredibly tiny gaps. They are likely defensive and may use chemical alarm signals. Foraging activity in the wild was observed as low ^[1]. As Myrmicinae ants, they have a modified stinger used to smear venom onto enemies rather than piercing flesh.
• Common Issues: new species means no established care protocols, expect a learning curve, tiny size makes escape prevention challenging, use fine mesh and tight-fitting barriers, low colony numbers in the wild suggest they may be slow to establish in captivity, no confirmed diet preferences, you will need to experiment with offerings, high humidity requirements may promote mold if ventilation is poor

Housing and Nest Setup

Crematogaster bonnieae is an arboreal species, meaning they naturally live in trees and shrubs rather than in ground nests. In captivity, you should provide vertical space for climbing and nesting. A Y-tong (acrylic) nest works well, or you can create a naturalistic setup with cork bark, bamboo sections, or twigs. The key is giving them vertical real estate.

Because workers are tiny, they require excellent escape prevention. Standard test tube setups may work for founding colonies, but use fine mesh on any ventilation holes. These tiny ants can squeeze through gaps that seem impossible. A smooth barrier like fluon on the edges of your outworld helps prevent escapes.

For the outworld, include small twigs or plants that allow them to forage at different heights. They will likely spend more time climbing than walking along the ground. A small water tube for drinking is essential, though they may get most moisture from their food. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

No specific dietary studies exist for this species, but Crematogaster genus members are typically omnivorous with a preference for sweet liquids (honeydew from aphids and scale insects) and small protein sources. Start with a diet of sugar water or honey diluted with water, offered on a cotton ball or through a dedicated feeder.

For protein, offer small prey items like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or tiny mealworms. Because these ants are so small, prey should be appropriately sized. You might also try offering tiny pieces of raw chicken or fish, though acceptance is uncertain.

Observe your colony's preferences and adjust accordingly. Some Crematogaster species readily accept sugar water, others show little interest. If they ignore sugar offerings, focus on protein and ensure prey is always available. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

Temperature and Humidity

This species comes from 1630m elevation in the Western Ghats, which is relatively cool for tropical India. Aim for temperatures in the 22-26°C range, warmer than room temperature may be too much. Monitor your colony's activity, if they seem sluggish, try lowering the temperature slightly.

Humidity should be moderate to high, reflecting the monsoon climate of the Western Ghats. Keep the nest substrate damp but not soaking wet. A water tube connected to the nest helps maintain humidity through evaporation. You want conditions similar to a damp forest floor.

Avoid placing the nest near direct heat sources or in dry environments. Central heating in winter can be problematic, consider using a room that stays cooler, or provide a very gentle heat gradient so ants can move to cooler areas if needed. ^[1]

Understanding This New Species

Crematogaster bonnieae was only described in 2023, making it one of the newest ant species in the hobby. This means almost no captive breeding information exists yet, everything you learn will contribute to our knowledge. You are essentially pioneering the husbandry of this species.

The type specimens were collected from a tree branch in October 2011, with only a few individuals ever found ^[1]. The species appears uncommon in the wild, which may reflect either genuine rarity or simply limited sampling. Either way, expect your colony to remain relatively small compared to more common species.

Approach keeping this species as an experiment and document your observations. Notes on founding behavior, colony growth, preferred foods, and temperature tolerance will be valuable for the antkeeping community.

Behavior and Temperament

As acrobat ants, Crematogaster species have a characteristic defensive behavior: when threatened, they raise their abdomen (gaster) over their head, like a scorpion. This allows them to deliver stings from unusual angles. While these ants are small, they may still attempt to sting if handled roughly. They possess a modified stinger used to smear venom onto enemies rather than piercing flesh.

Their small size and arboreal lifestyle suggest they are likely shy and may hide when disturbed. In the wild, foraging activity was observed as low ^[1], which may indicate a cautious, secretive nature. Your colony may spend much of their time hidden within their nest structure.

Watch for colony activity patterns. Healthy ants should be moving, foraging, and tending to brood. If workers consistently hide and rarely emerge to forage, experiment with different food types, temperature, or lighting conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References