Crematogaster scutellaris

A European species of the Crematogaster genus. Locally called scorpion ants like so many other species of the Crematogaster genus, these little ants are known to raise their gasters in the air like scorpions whenever they feel threatened. They look beautiful, they grow fast and they are relatively easy to keep. They truly are a hardy species that require minimal care.

Size & colony type
Queen: aprox. 7mm – 9mm
Workers: aprox. 3mm – 4mm
Soldiers: n/a
Colony type: monogyne
Colony size: about 15,000 – 25,000 workers per colony
Keeping difficulty: Fairly easy.

Habitat
Distribution: South Europe, North Africa
Habitat: often found in forests
Natural nest: they often build their nests in trees and pieces of dead wood
Suitable formicaria: Ytong-, plaster-, 3D- and acrylicnests are all suitable for this species
Recommended humidity: 50% – 60%
Recommended temperature: 21°C – 24°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: yes, from end of october till the end of march (for the European variant)
Claustral: yes, no need to feed until the first workers arrive
Matingflight period: august – october
Egg to worker: 6 to 8 weeks depending on how they are being kept