Crematogaster hova

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Crematogaster hova originates from the humid and transition forests of Madagascar, ranging from the northern tip to the extreme south. It is absent from western dry deciduous forests but present in isolated pockets in protected areas like Zombitse and Isalo National Parks, at altitudes up to 2000m ^[1]. This is a rainforest canopy species that forages on the forest floor and constructs carton nests in trees ^[1][2].
• Colony Type: Polydomous colonies with multiple nests, but queen number per colony is unconfirmed ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: size unknown, inferred from Crematogaster genus (~4-7 mm) ^[1]
  • Worker: size unknown, inferred from Crematogaster genus (~3-5 mm) ^[1]
  • Colony: Unknown, carton nests up to 25x20cm suggest substantial colonies, but no specific worker count ^[1]
  • Growth: Unconfirmed, no direct development studies exist
  • Development: Unconfirmed, based on typical Crematogaster patterns, expect 6-10 weeks at optimal temperature ^[1] (Development timeline has not been directly studied.)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: Keep at room temperature around 22-26°C. No specific thermal requirements documented, but Madagascar rainforest origin suggests warm, stable conditions ^[1].
  • Humidity: Keep nest substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, as they inhabit humid rainforests ^[1][2].
  • Diapause: Unknown, no documented diapause requirements. As a tropical species, it likely does not require hibernation ^[1].
  • Nesting: Arboreal carton nesters in wild, for captivity, provide Y-tong or plaster nests with multiple chambers and materials like twigs or bark for nest-building ^[1][2].
• Behavior: Workers are active foragers that tend scale insects for honeydew. They use a smear defense with a modified stinger to wipe venom onto enemies. Escape risk is moderate due to small size, use fine mesh and barrier gel ^[1][2].
• Common Issues: polydomous colony structure means colonies may appear to split, this is normal behavior, carton nest construction requires specific materials like twigs or bark, high humidity can lead to mold if ventilation is poor, balance with airflow, small worker size means escape prevention must be adequate, queen location may be difficult in multi-nest setups

Natural History and Distribution

Crematogaster hova is endemic to Madagascar, where it is abundant in rainforest canopy fauna. It occupies humid and transition forests throughout the island, from sea level to 2000m altitude, but is absent from western dry forests ^[1]. This species is part of a complex including C. hova, C. schencki, and C. ensifera, which are morphologically similar ^[1].

Nest Preferences and Housing

In the wild, C. hova constructs arboreal carton nests from chewed plant fibers, attached to branches at heights from 1.20m to over 20m. They also use dead twigs for nesting, especially during colony founding ^[1][2]. For captivity, provide Y-tong or plaster nests with multiple chambers and materials like twigs or bark for nest-building ^[1][2].

Feeding and Diet

C. hova likely feeds on honeydew from tending scale insects and small insects for protein. In captivity, offer sugar water or honey regularly, plus small insects like fruit flies ^[1][2].

Colony Structure and Polydomy

C. hova is polydomous, with colonies maintaining multiple nests on the same tree or adjacent trees. In wild nests, some contain a queen with workers and brood, while others have only workers, suggesting satellite colonies ^[1].

Temperature and Seasonal Care

As a tropical species, C. hova prefers warm, stable conditions around 22-26°C. No diapause requirement is documented, but slight temperature reduction in winter may be beneficial if activity decreases ^[1].

Morphological Variation

C. hova displays five morphotypes based on head sculpture and propodeal spine length, with color ranging from light to dark brown or black ^[1]. This variation is normal and not a cause for concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

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References