Crematogaster auberti – Mediterranean acrobat ant
Crematogaster auberti is an active and interesting ant species from the Mediterranean region. The species has the characteristic appearance of Crematogaster, with a striking heart-shaped abdomen that can be bent upwards when the ants are disturbed or defending themselves.
In the wild, Crematogaster auberti occurs in warm and relatively dry areas. The species has a wide distribution around the western Mediterranean and is found, among other places, on the Iberian Peninsula, in southern France, and in North Africa. Colonies may use small cavities as nesting sites.
Workers are active and can lay clear scent trails to food sources. When food is found, other workers can be quickly recruited. As a result, a larger colony can become particularly lively during feeding.
Crematogaster auberti is monogynous and therefore normally has one queen per colony. The workers do not have a separate soldier caste. Due to their interesting foraging behavior, characteristic abdomen, and Mediterranean lifestyle, this species is attractive to both novice keepers with some preparation and experienced ant keepers.
Specifications
Scientific name: Crematogaster auberti
Dutch name: Mediterranean acrobat ant
Distribution area: Western Mediterranean region, including Southern France, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and adjacent areas
Ant color: Brown to dark brown, often with reddish-brown tints
Difficulty level: 2 / 5
Queen size: approximately 6 – 9 mm
Worker size: approximately 2.5 – 4 mm
Soldier size: Not present
Temperature: approximately 21 – 28°C
Optimal temperature: approximately 24 – 27°C
Hintership: Yes, approximately November through February at around 12 – 15°C
Growth rate: Slow during founding, then average
Maximum queen lifespan: several years under good conditions
Maximum worker lifespan: dependent on temperature, nutrition, and conditions
Development into worker numbers: several hundred to potentially larger colonies, depending on conditions
Subfamily: Myrmicinae
Foundation: Claustral; the queen can raise the first generation of workers independently
Colony formation: Monogynous, normally one queen per colony
Power supply
Crematogaster auberti is an omnivorous ant species that requires both carbohydrate-rich food and animal protein.
Diet: small insects such as fruit flies, redrunners, small crickets, buffalo worms, and pieces of mealworm or dubia.
Sugars: for example Byformica Sunburst Ant Nectar, sugar water, honey water and other suitable nectar food.
Sugar-rich food provides energy to the active worker bees. Protein-rich insects are especially important for the development of the larvae and the growth of the colony.
Fresh drinking water must always be available.
Care
Crematogaster auberti is adapted to relatively warm and dry conditions. The nest can therefore be kept predominantly dry to slightly damp. Ensure a moisture gradient and prevent the entire nest from being constantly wet.
The species tolerates relatively dry conditions well, but must always have access to drinking water and a slightly damp nesting zone.
Due to the small size of the workers, good escape protection is important. Carefully check small openings at ventilation, hose connections, and covers.
From how many workers to a nest: approximately 20 – 30 workers
Recommended nest type: small 3D nest, cork or wood nest, Ytong nest, plaster nest or well-sealed acrylic nest
As the colony grows, activity increases significantly and food sources are discovered more quickly. The typical Crematogaster behavior, in which the heart-shaped abdomen is raised, makes this species particularly fun to observe.
✅ Why choose Crematogaster auberti
• Characteristic heart-shaped abdomen
• Active Mediterranean ant species
• Interesting foraging and recruitment behavior
• Well-tolerated by relatively dry conditions
• No soldier caste
• Monogynous colony formation
• Easily observable feeding behavior
• Interesting for enthusiasts of Crematogaster species
