Crematogaster celebensis

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Unknown, no captive husbandry data exists
• Origin & Habitat: Togian Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia (tropical Southeast Asia). Found in the Indomalayan region ^[1].
• Colony Type: Colony structure unconfirmed. As a member of the Orthocrema group, likely forms small colonies in twig cavities with a single queen, though this is inferred from related species.
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: Undescribed, queen measurements not available
  • Worker: Approximately 2-3mm, inferred from head and mesosoma measurements (HL 0.51-0.53mm, WL 0.56-0.59mm) ^[1]
  • Colony: Likely small based on typical Orthocrema colony sizes
  • Growth: Unknown
  • Development: Unknown, no development data exists for this species (Related Crematogaster species typically develop from egg to worker in 4-8 weeks at tropical temperatures, but this is unconfirmed for C. celebensis)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Unconfirmed. As a tropical species from Sulawesi, likely requires warm conditions around 24-28°C. Start in this range and observe colony activity.
  • Humidity: Unconfirmed. Tropical arboreal species likely prefer moderate to high humidity. Keep nest substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Diapause: Unlikely, as a tropical species from Sulawesi, diapause is probably not required. However, this has not been studied.
  • Nesting: As an Orthocrema species, they are twig-nesters. In captivity, they do well in Y-tong nests, plaster nests, or test tube setups with narrow chambers scaled to their tiny size. Provide small twigs or narrow passages they can use as natural nesting sites.
• Behavior: Behavior is unstudied in captivity. Based on genus patterns, they are likely active foragers that tend honeydew-producing insects and hunt small prey. Workers are very small, so escape prevention must be excellent, they can squeeze through extremely tiny gaps. Likely not aggressive but may use abdominal glands to produce defensive chemicals (typical Crematogaster behavior).
• Common Issues: no captive husbandry data exists, this is an essentially unstudied species in captivity, tiny size means escape prevention must be excellent, even standard test tube setups may have gaps, nothing is known about their diet, start with sugar water and small live prey and observe acceptance, no data on founding behavior, queen may be claustral like related species but this is unconfirmed, tropical species may be sensitive to temperature drops, keep warm and stable

Species Identification and Morphology

Crematogaster celebensis is a minute ant with workers measuring approximately 2-3mm in total length. They belong to the Crematogaster quadriruga group (subgenus Orthocrema), characterized by their smooth and shining body, yellow coloration, and distinctive morphological features. Key identifying characteristics include compound eyes that slightly project beyond the lateral margins of the head, a U-shaped metanotal groove in lateral view, propodeal spiracles that touch the metapleural gland bullae, and relatively long propodeal spines. The species was described in 2016 by Hosoishi and Ogata and is known only from Togian Island off Sulawesi, Indonesia ^[1].

Natural Habitat and Distribution

This species is known only from Togian Island, located in the Gulf of Tomini off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sulawesi has a tropical climate with high year-round temperatures and humidity. As a member of the Orthocrema group, C. celebensis is likely an arboreal species that nests in hollow twigs, small stems, or under bark in forested areas. The Togian Islands are relatively small islands with tropical rainforest vegetation. Nothing has been documented about their specific microhabitat preferences or elevation range ^[1].

Nest Preferences and Housing

As an Orthocrema species, C. celebensis is a twig-nesting ant. In captivity, they should be provided with nesting options that mimic their natural arboreal habitat. Y-tong nests, plaster nests, or test tube setups with very narrow chambers work well. The chambers should be appropriately scaled to their tiny worker size. Some keepers have success with naturalistic setups that include small twigs or bamboo sections. Because of their extremely small size, ensure all connections and barriers are secure, these ants can escape through gaps that seem impossibly small. Provide some vertical structure in the outworld to accommodate their arboreal nature.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Crematogaster celebensis has not been documented. Based on genus patterns, they likely feed on honeydew from aphids and scale insects, as well as small insects and other arthropods. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey diluted with water as a carbohydrate source. For protein, offer very small live prey such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or other appropriately-sized insects. Start with small quantities and observe what the colony accepts. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold issues. Because of their tiny size, prey items must be very small.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Temperature and humidity requirements are unconfirmed for this species. As a tropical ant from Sulawesi, they likely require warm and humid conditions. Aim for temperatures in the range of 24-28°C, which is typical for tropical species. For humidity, target moderate to high humidity, think damp forest conditions. Use a heating cable on one side of the nest to create a temperature gradient if room temperature is below their requirements. Monitor the colony's activity levels to determine if conditions are suitable, workers should be actively foraging. Avoid both excessive drying and stagnant, overly wet conditions.

Colony Founding and Development

The founding behavior of Crematogaster celebensis has not been documented. Based on typical Crematogaster patterns, the queen likely seals herself in a small chamber (claustral founding) and raises the first brood alone using stored fat reserves. The first workers (nanitics) will typically be smaller than mature workers. Development time from egg to worker is unknown for this species, related tropical Crematogaster species generally take 4-8 weeks, but this is an estimate only. Colony size at maturity is also unknown, though Orthocrema species typically form relatively small colonies.

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References