Crematogaster Sordidula

Meet Crematogaster sordidula: The Mediterranean Acrobat Ant!

Why Crematogaster sordidula?

Crematogaster sordidula is a small, heart-gaster acrobat ant from the Mediterranean and wider Palaearctic. Workers raise the gaster over the thorax when alarmed, a classic Crematogaster pose that makes trails and nest defence easy to watch.

Warm pastures and shrubland

Described from Sicily by Nylander (1849), the species is widespread across southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia. In Greece it is recorded from all provinces and prefers warm Mediterranean habitats such as pastures, shrubland and roadsides, nesting under stones or directly in the ground.

Honeydew specialists

Workers tend aphids for honeydew and also take insects. In the nest they defend with a raised gaster and venom rather than formic acid (Myrmicinae). They are generally shy toward keepers but can deter much larger ants when provoked.

Colony:

• Type: Often monogyne; some populations and hobby reports also describe polygyny
• Founding: Claustral (hobby reports)
• Mature size: Hobby reports from several hundred to a few thousand workers (roughly 2,000-5,000 in well-kept colonies)

Queen:

• Size: Hobby reports roughly 5-8 mm (seller figures vary; some secondary sources quote smaller)
• Colour: Dark brown to blackish brown
• Lifespan: Hobby estimate around 10-15 years with careful care (UNVERIFIED scientifically)

Workers:

• Size: Hobby reports roughly 2.5-3.5 mm
• Polymorphic: No distinct soldier caste
• Colour: Brown to dark brown

Development:

• Egg to adult worker: Hobby estimate about 6-8 weeks in warm conditions (UNVERIFIED scientifically)

Housing:

• Nest: Under stones or in soil in nature; test tube then ytong, plaster or sealed acrylic. Prefer dry to slightly damp chambers with a small moist zone
• Temperature: Hobby targets often 22-28°C (ideal near 24-26°C)
• Humidity: Nest often around 50-60%; avoid a permanently waterlogged nest

Hibernation / Diapause:

• Notes: Hobby sources disagree. Many European keepers recommend a mild cool rest around 10-15°C from about November to February; others list no true hibernation for Mediterranean stock. Match origin if known (OPINION)

Diet:

• Primary: Sugary liquids (honeydew substitutes) plus small insects
• Also: Occasional oily seeds (hobby practice)

Interaction:

• Sting: Yes (Myrmicinae); generally mild toward humans in hobby reports
• Bite: Possible but minor
• Escape risk: High for such small, agile workers; fine mesh and barriers essential

Key Stats:

• Queen Size: Estimated: 5-8mm
• Worker Size: Estimated: 2.5-3.5mm
• Temperature: Estimated: 22-28°C (Nest); ideal near 24-26°C
• Humidity: Estimated: 50-60%
• Diet: Sugars & Insects
• Colony Size: Estimated: 2,000-5,000 mature workers
• Diapause: Hobby sources conflict: many European keepers use a mild cool rest about 10-15°C from roughly November to February; some Mediterranean stock may skip true hibernation

Ready for Mediterranean acrobats?

Crematogaster sordidula is a compact, active beginner-to-intermediate keep. Keep them warm, offer sugars and protein, seal every gap, and enjoy those raised-gaster trails across the outworld.