Crematogaster biroi

This species of the Crematogaster genus are quite small. While it is true that they generally leave other ants alone, they don’t have any trouble defending their nest vigorously against invaders. It’s hard to believe that such pretty little creatures are capable of killing foes many times bigger than them.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 3mm – 7mm
Workers: aprox. 2,5mm – 3,5mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: polygyne
Colony size: about 4,000 – 5,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Fairly easy.

Habitat
Distribution: Asia
Habitat: often found in rainforests
Natural nest: they often build their nests underground and under rocks
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, 3D- and acrylicnests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 80%
Recommended temperature: 21°C – 28°C
Nutrition: a sugar source such as honey or sugarwater and a protein source such as prey insects like crickets or fruitflies. Insect jelly is also a suitable feeder since it contains both sugar and protein and varius other beneficial components

Misc
Hibernation: no
Claustral: yes, no need to feed until the first workers arrive
Matingflight period: june – july
Egg to worker: 6 to 8 weeks depending on how they are being kept