Crematogaster terminalis

Quick Summary

• Difficulty: Medium
• Origin & Habitat: Native to Britain, found in wooden structures, under bark, and in hollow stems ^[2][1].
• Colony Type: Single-queen colonies, monogyne ^[1].
• Size & Growth:
  • Queen: 5-7mm ^[1]
  • Worker: 2.5-4mm ^[1]
  • Colony: Up to several thousand workers ^[1]
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Development: 6-8 weeks ^[1] (Development typical for temperate Crematogaster species at 20-25°C)
• Antkeeping:
  • Temperature: 20-25°C, standard room temperature is suitable ^[1]
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity around 50-60%. They prefer drier conditions compared to many ants ^[1]
  • Diapause: Yes, winter diapause of 2-3 months at 5-10°C ^[1]
  • Nesting: Y-tong or plaster nests with wood-like texture. They prefer arboreal-style setups with cork or wooden sections ^[1]
• Behavior: Generally peaceful ants. Workers raise their heart-shaped abdomen over their head in a scorpion-like warning display when disturbed. They rarely sting. Active foragers that readily explore their outworld. Workers are small but fast-moving. They can squeeze through small gaps, so escape prevention is important ^[1].
• Common Issues: escape prevention is important, workers can slip through small gaps if not sealed properly, colonies may fail if kept too humid, they prefer drier conditions, winter diapause is required, skipping hibernation can weaken colonies over time, slow founding phase, claustral queens seal themselves in for weeks, wild-caught colonies may carry parasites

Housing and Nest Setup

Crematogaster terminalis does well in Y-tong or plaster nests with wood-like texture. Cork-style inserts or wooden sections mimic their natural arboreal habitat. The nest should have narrow chambers appropriate for their small size. Ensure all connections between nest and outworld are sealed tightly, these ants can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. A water test tube should always be available, but they are not as humidity-dependent as tropical species. ^[1]

Feeding and Diet

These ants are omnivorous with a preference for sweet liquids. Offer sugar water, honey, or diluted maple syrup as a constant food source. For protein, provide small insects like fruit flies, small mealworms, or cricket pieces. They will also tend aphids if present in their setup. Feed protein 2-3 times per week, and keep a sugar source available at all times. Remove uneaten prey after 24-48 hours to prevent mold. ^[1]

Temperature and Seasonal Care

Keep your colony at 20-25°C. Room temperature around 20-22°C is typically suitable. They are tolerant of temperature variations within this range. During winter, they require a diapause period of 2-3 months at 5-10°C. This can be provided by moving the colony to a cool basement, garage, or refrigerator. Reduce feeding during diapause and keep the nest slightly moist but not wet. Do not skip hibernation, it is essential for colony health. ^[1]

Behavior and Handling

Crematogaster terminalis is generally calm and not aggressive toward keepers. When threatened, workers display their characteristic acrobat behavior, raising their heart-shaped abdomen over their head in a scorpion-like pose. This is primarily a defensive warning display. They rarely sting. They are active foragers and will explore their outworld thoroughly. Workers communicate through chemical trails and will quickly establish foraging routes to food sources. ^[1]

Colony Development

A newly mated queen will seal herself into a small chamber and lay eggs after a few days. She feeds the first brood from her stored fat reserves, this is claustral founding. The first workers (nanitics) are smaller than normal workers and appear after 6-8 weeks. After the nanitics emerge, the colony grows more quickly as the queen focuses on egg production. Expect several hundred workers within the first year and potentially several thousand over several years. The colony will produce alates in late summer or fall. ^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

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References